Get Paid AUD $28/Hour as an Administrative Officer in Australia

Australia’s thriving economy and strong demand for skilled professionals make it one of the most attractive destinations for foreign workers seeking stable, high-paying employment. Among the many roles available for international applicants, administrative officer jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are gaining significant attention.

With hourly pay averaging AUD $28 or more, these positions offer a perfect mix of financial reward, career stability, and migration opportunities for foreign professionals seeking to build their future in Australia.

Administrative officers play a crucial role in the backbone of any organization, ensuring smooth coordination of operations, communication, and record management.

As companies across healthcare, education, construction, and government sectors continue to expand, the demand for administrative officers with sponsorship opportunities has increased sharply.

Whether you are an entry-level graduate or an experienced office manager, Australia’s administrative sector provides a welcoming platform to grow your career while enjoying a competitive salary and potential for permanent residency through employer-sponsored visas.

In this detailed guide, we will explore why administrative jobs are so valuable, the types of administrative positions available with visa sponsorship, what skills are required, and where you can earn the highest salaries across Australia.

Why Work in the Administrative Industry?

Working in the administrative industry in Australia is not only about earning a comfortable income, it’s about joining a field that values organization, efficiency, and professional development. Administrative officers are the foundation of every business.

Their responsibilities range from scheduling and document management to data entry and staff coordination. The importance of these duties makes the administrative sector one of the most stable and recession-proof industries in the country.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, administrative support professionals earn an average of AUD $28 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and location.

This pay range equals an annual salary between AUD $54,000 and $68,000, offering strong financial security even at entry level. The steady demand for office professionals ensures long-term employability and opportunities to transition into managerial roles.

Australia’s immigration system also recognizes administrative roles as essential, particularly under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Employers actively seek international workers to fill administrative vacancies, especially in remote or regional areas where there are shortages of qualified locals.

The work environment in Australia’s administrative sector is another reason to consider this career path. Employers offer flexible working hours, paid annual leave, superannuation benefits, and training programs.

Many organizations, especially in sectors like education, public administration, and healthcare, support employees through further studies and certification programs, giving administrative officers room to upskill and advance.

Additionally, this career suits individuals who prefer structured, detail-oriented work. The day-to-day tasks often involve communication, organization, budgeting, and customer service, all skills that are transferable across multiple industries.

This flexibility makes administrative roles an excellent entry point for immigrants who want to establish themselves in the Australian workforce while building a long-term professional future.

Overall, administrative jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship offer a rare balance of job security, professional growth, and financial reward.

For those seeking to relocate to Australia and earn a living wage that can sustain a comfortable lifestyle, earning AUD $28/hour as an administrative officer is a practical and rewarding choice.

Types of Administrative Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Administrative work in Australia spans a wide variety of industries, each with its own unique demands and compensation structure.

Employers across sectors, public and private, are actively offering visa sponsorship for skilled administrative professionals to fill gaps in the workforce. The following are the most common administrative positions available to foreign applicants.

Administrative Officer

The administrative officer is a generalist role responsible for day-to-day coordination, scheduling, and clerical management. Most employers pay between AUD $28 to $32 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Administrative officers are found in hospitals, schools, local councils, and government departments. Visa sponsorship is often available through state or territory migration programs, especially in regional areas.

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants support senior management and often earn higher pay than standard administrative officers. Salaries range from AUD $70,000 to $85,000 per year, equivalent to AUD $35 to $42 per hour.

This role involves diary management, report preparation, travel coordination, and confidential correspondence. Many multinational firms sponsor foreign professionals for these positions under the 482 visa category.

Office Manager

Office managers oversee administrative operations, supervise clerical staff, and ensure compliance with internal policies. The average pay is around AUD $34/hour, but experienced office managers can earn up to AUD $90,000 annually.

These roles are especially common in healthcare, construction, and IT companies that are willing to sponsor skilled workers under permanent residency pathways.

Administrative Coordinator

Administrative coordinators manage communication between departments, suppliers, and clients. The average wage is AUD $27 to $31/hour, depending on location.

Regional employers, particularly in Western Australia and South Australia, are known for offering visa sponsorships to administrative coordinators to address regional skill shortages.

Data Entry Clerk

While data entry is a more entry-level administrative role, it remains in high demand across logistics, retail, and finance sectors.

The average pay is AUD $26 to $29/hour, and foreign applicants with fast typing and accuracy skills can secure visa sponsorship, particularly when combined with broader administrative tasks.

The beauty of the administrative profession is its transferability. Whether you begin as a receptionist or a records officer, the potential to grow into a management or executive role is high.

Many administrative officers use their early positions to gain Australian work experience, which helps them transition to permanent residency through employer nomination or the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) later on.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

One of the key advantages of pursuing administrative jobs in Australia is that most entry-level positions do not require extensive experience or advanced degrees.

Instead, employers prioritize transferable skills, work ethic, and reliability. However, certain skills and certifications can increase your chances of getting hired with visa sponsorship.

Most administrative officers in Australia possess at least a Certificate III or IV in Business Administration or a related field.

For higher-level roles like executive assistants or office managers, a diploma or bachelor’s degree in business, management, or human resources is advantageous. These qualifications can be obtained in Australia or recognized through overseas credential assessment.

In addition to education, employers value key skills such as:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Effective communication and organizational abilities
• Strong time management and multitasking skills
• Attention to detail and data accuracy
• Knowledge of office procedures and record management
• Customer service and problem-solving skills

Experience working in administrative support, even in another country, can significantly strengthen your visa application and job prospects. Employers who sponsor foreign workers often prefer candidates with at least one year of prior administrative experience, though this is not mandatory for all positions.

Language proficiency is another essential requirement. Applicants must demonstrate adequate English communication skills, often proven through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is generally acceptable for administrative roles under most visa categories.

Practical experience with accounting systems, digital filing tools, and CRM software such as MYOB, Xero, or Salesforce can also make your profile stand out to potential employers.

For migrants seeking sponsorship, being proactive in networking with Australian employers, creating a professional resume aligned with local standards, and applying through trusted job portals like SEEK, Indeed, and Workforce Australia are proven strategies.

With the right combination of education, interpersonal skills, and digital literacy, you can easily qualify for administrative officer positions offering AUD $28/hour and long-term visa sponsorship opportunities.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Australia’s administrative job market varies significantly by region, with salaries influenced by demand, cost of living, and local skill shortages. While metropolitan areas such as Sydney and Melbourne tend to offer more job availability, regional towns and smaller cities often pay competitive wages combined with visa sponsorship benefits.

New South Wales (Sydney)

Sydney remains Australia’s top-paying region for administrative officers. Professionals earn between AUD $30 to $36 per hour, particularly in finance, government, and corporate sectors. Employers in Sydney frequently sponsor overseas candidates due to a shortage of local administrative talent in high-volume industries like insurance, law, and healthcare.

Victoria (Melbourne)

Melbourne follows closely, offering AUD $28 to $34/hour for administrative roles. Administrative coordinators and executive assistants in the city’s commercial districts can earn up to AUD $80,000 annually.

The Victorian Government also supports employer-sponsored visa programs, allowing companies to hire skilled migrants under regional or state nomination schemes.

Western Australia (Perth)

In Perth, administrative officers earn between AUD $27 and $33/hour, depending on experience. Due to the expansion of mining and resource companies, there’s growing demand for skilled administrative staff to manage logistics, procurement, and office operations. Many of these employers offer 482 visa sponsorships for skilled foreigners.

Queensland (Brisbane and Gold Coast)

Administrative officers in Queensland typically earn AUD $26 to $31/hour, though positions in tourism and construction sectors often come with additional benefits like housing allowances. Regional sponsorship opportunities are strong in towns such as Townsville, Rockhampton, and Cairns.

South Australia and Tasmania

Although smaller in population, South Australia and Tasmania provide some of the best visa sponsorship options for administrative professionals.

Wmployers in these regions offer salaries averaging AUD $27/hour, but the added benefit of sponsorship and lower living costs make them ideal destinations for immigrants.

Overall, administrative professionals can expect annual salaries ranging from AUD $55,000 to $70,000, with room for growth into supervisory or managerial roles.

By combining high hourly pay with visa sponsorship incentives, Australia’s administrative industry offers unmatched opportunities for skilled workers planning to migrate and build sustainable careers.

Salary Expectations for Administrative Officers

Administrative officers in Australia enjoy some of the most stable and competitive wages within the clerical and support sector. The average pay rate of AUD $28 per hour serves as a benchmark, but actual earnings often depend on factors such as experience, education, and the industry of employment.

Understanding these variations helps prospective immigrants set realistic expectations before applying for visa sponsorship administrative jobs in Australia.

Average Hourly and Annual Salary

Most administrative officers across the country earn between AUD $27 and $33 per hour, equivalent to AUD $55,000 to $70,000 annually for full-time employment.

This salary range reflects entry to mid-level roles, while more experienced officers or executive assistants can earn up to AUD $42 per hour, reaching annual earnings above AUD $85,000.

Sector-Based Pay Differences

Certain industries tend to pay higher salaries for administrative roles due to the level of responsibility and the nature of the business.

• Healthcare and Aged Care: Administrative officers in hospitals and medical facilities earn approximately AUD $30–$36 per hour, given the importance of accurate records and patient coordination.
• Education: Schools and universities pay around AUD $28–$33 per hour, often including paid leave and superannuation benefits.
• Government and Public Service: Public administration roles provide the highest consistency in wages, with salaries reaching up to AUD $90,000 per year for experienced officers.
• Mining and Energy: In Western Australia, administrative officers in mining companies earn AUD $35–$40 per hour due to the demanding nature of project management and compliance documentation.

Experience and Qualifications Impact

Experience has a direct effect on salary growth. Entry-level administrative assistants may start at AUD $26/hour, while officers with five or more years of experience can expect AUD $33/hour or more.

Completing a Diploma or Certificate IV in Business Administration or demonstrating proficiency in software like Xero, MYOB, and Salesforce can also attract higher pay offers.

Regional Pay Trends

The cost of living and regional skill shortages also affect pay rates. For instance, Sydney and Melbourne remain top-paying locations due to their large corporate presence.

However, regional employers in Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania often offer competitive wages combined with visa sponsorship to attract skilled migrants.

When calculated across all job categories, administrative officers typically receive compensation packages that include superannuation (10.5% employer contribution), paid annual leave (20 days), and potential performance bonuses.

These benefits significantly enhance overall income potential, making the administrative field one of the most financially rewarding pathways for migrants in Australia.

Visa Types and Options for Administrative Officers

Visa sponsorship remains a key attraction for foreigners seeking administrative jobs in Australia. Employers use several visa pathways to bring skilled administrative staff from overseas to fill workforce shortages. Understanding these options is vital for those who wish to secure both employment and a long-term stay in the country.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, commonly known as subclass 482, allows Australian employers to sponsor qualified administrative officers when suitable local workers are unavailable.

• Valid for up to four years, depending on the occupation and agreement.
• Allows dependents (spouse and children) to accompany the visa holder.
• Eligible for transition to permanent residency after working with the employer for a designated period.

To qualify, candidates must demonstrate relevant work experience, adequate English proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0 overall), and meet health and character requirements.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The subclass 186 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for administrative professionals sponsored by their Australian employer.

It is suitable for experienced officers who have already worked in the country under a temporary visa or are being hired directly from overseas. This visa category is particularly beneficial because it grants:

• Permanent residency for the applicant and dependents.
• Full working rights in Australia.
• Access to Medicare and other social benefits.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Administrative officers with significant experience, strong English skills, and recognized qualifications may qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).

Unlike employer-sponsored visas, this option does not require a job offer but operates through a points-based system based on age, education, and experience.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Applicants nominated by a state or territory government can apply for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). Administrative officers are often eligible for nomination under the “Office and Administrative Support Workers” category on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)**

Although gradually replaced by newer schemes, certain regional employers still offer sponsorship through programs similar to subclass 187. Migrants who accept administrative jobs in designated regional areas enjoy additional points for permanent residency eligibility.

Each visa category serves a specific purpose, but all share a common goal: to connect skilled administrative professionals with Australian employers in need of their expertise. Proper documentation, verified experience, and demonstrated English proficiency remain essential for visa approval.

How to Find Administrative Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia

Finding a visa-sponsored administrative job in Australia requires a combination of targeted research, professional presentation, and an understanding of employer expectations.

The demand for administrative talent remains strong across healthcare, education, and government sectors, meaning qualified migrants can easily find sponsorship if they approach the search strategically.

Use Reliable Job Platforms

The most trusted Australian job portals regularly post administrative roles that include visa sponsorship options.

• SEEK: The largest job portal, offering filters for “visa sponsorship” and “skilled migration.”
• Indeed Australia: Lists both temporary and permanent administrative vacancies with verified employers.
• Workforce Australia: Official government platform connecting skilled migrants with regional employers seeking administrative staff.
• LinkedIn: Networking through LinkedIn allows you to contact HR managers and recruiters directly for sponsorship discussions.

Target Employers Known for Sponsorship

Sectors such as healthcare, education, and logistics frequently sponsor administrative officers due to ongoing staff shortages. Employers like Ramsay Health Care, St. Vincent’s Hospital Group, and various state government agencies have active sponsorship programs.

Prepare a Professional Resume and Cover Letter

Australian employers prioritize resumes that are concise, results-focused, and formatted according to local standards. Include key details such as:

• Visa eligibility or interest in sponsorship.
• Education and certifications.
• Work achievements using measurable results (e.g., “Managed records for 200+ patients daily”).

Applicants who tailor their cover letters to highlight communication skills, efficiency, and familiarity with Australian work culture have higher chances of securing interviews.

Engage with Migration Agents and Industry Networks

Registered Migration Agents (MARA) can assist in identifying legitimate sponsorship opportunities and guide you through the visa process. Additionally, joining professional networks such as the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) can expand your visibility to employers.

Apply for Regional Roles

Regional areas such as Adelaide, Darwin, and Townsville experience chronic skill shortages and frequently provide Regional Skilled Migration visas to administrative workers.

Although these areas may offer slightly lower pay (around AUD $26–$30/hour), they compensate with easier visa approval and faster residency options.

Stay Updated on Government Policies

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs regularly updates the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and regional visa pathways. Checking these updates ensures you target administrative roles that qualify for sponsorship under current immigration policy.

With a strong resume, professional communication, and consistent effort, foreign professionals can successfully secure visa-sponsored administrative jobs paying AUD $28 per hour or higher in Australia’s growing business environment.