Employment

Australia is in the midst of an economic boom and unemployment rates are lowest in a decade. New migrants normally start working in different jobs initially to get experience of the local industry, before settling into a chosen career.

Currently unemployment is very low at just about 4.5% of the population. Australia offers world class work environment and has a robust Industrial relations law.

Australia's employment and recruitment is mainly done through job placement agencies and online job sites, which would account for nearly 150,000 jobs per week.

On arrival most new migrants register with job agencies and recruitment firms who assist in getting a job. Australia has very vibrant online employment portals lead by www.seek.com.au and www.careerone.com.au . New migrants can upload resumes to these sites, which are an excellent source to start job search. Local newspapers (especially the weekend) carry separate sections with thousands of jobs every week. Other resources for job search include networking, centrelink offices and linking with community groups.

Many people also work part-time or take up a second job from time to time. The local TAFE (Technical and Further Education) centers offer various short-term courses often used by employees to further their skills or to change a career path.
Salaries vary for various professions depending on the number of years of experience. Generally new migrants should expect to start their career in Australia at a lower rung than what they held in their home country. The following are some industry average salaries (per annum, before taxes) for various professions in different Australian cities.

Source: The following salary survey for various professions is published by one of Australia's largest recruitment consultancies - Hays.

• Accountancy
• Professional Practice
• Banking
• Insurance
• Office Support
• Contact Centres
• HR | Sales & Marketing
• Legal
• Information Technology
• Construction | Engineering | Property
• Resources & Mining
• Logistics | Procurement