Best Jobs for International Students & Backpackers in Australia: A White Card is Your Ticket to Reliable, High-Paying Work

Finding work as a backpacker or international student in Australia can be tough.

A lot of jobs pay minimum wage, have unreliable hours, or require experience you don’t have.

If you’re here on a working holiday or student visa, you need something that pays well, is easy to get into, and gives you consistent work.

That’s where a White Card comes into play.

A White Card is a requirement for working in construction, but what most people don’t realise is just how many high-paying, entry-level jobs it unlocks.

With no experience needed, you can step into roles that pay better than hospitality, retail, or farm work, with shifts available all over the country.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The best jobs you can get with a White Card (and how much they pay).

• Why construction jobs are better than other backpacker work.

• How a White Card can open up career pathways to even better jobs.

• Everything you need to get started.

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-paying job, getting a White Card could be the smartest move you make.

Why Getting a White Card is a Smart Move

The difference between struggling to get by and actually enjoying your experience in Australia often comes down to the type of job you land.

Hospitality and retail might seem like the easiest options, but they often mean low pay, unpredictable hours, and fierce competition.

On the other hand, White Card jobs open the door to higher wages, steady work, and real financial stability — so you can afford to explore and enjoy Australia instead of just surviving here.

A White Card isn’t just another certification — it’s your ticket to better job opportunities and higher paying jobs.

Whether it’s construction, labouring, traffic control, or even regional farm work, having a White Card makes you instantly more employable.

And with jobs in these industries constantly in demand, you’ll spend less time job-hunting and more time actually making money.

So, if you’re serious about earning good money while in Australia, getting your White Card is a no-brainer.

It’s quick, affordable, and could be the key to turning your Aussie adventure into something truly unforgettable.

Visa Types & Work Requirements – Can You Get a White Card Job?

Before you start job hunting, it’s important to understand what kind of work your visa allows.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main visa types for backpackers and international students in Australia.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

• Can work full-time for up to six months with one employer.

• Allowed to work in construction, hospitality, farm work, and more.

• To apply for a second or third-year visa, you may need to complete specified work, such as farm work or construction in regional areas.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

• Allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight (unlimited during term breaks).

• Can work in hospitality, retail, administration, and construction.

Because student visas limit working hours, jobs with higher pay can make a big difference.

White Card jobs often pay more per hour than hospitality or retail, allowing students to earn more while working fewer hours.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

• Full-time work rights in any industry.

• A great option for students who want longer-term, well-paying work.

If you’re on any of these visas, getting a White Card can open up better job opportunities than typical backpacker or student work.

Do You Need to Do Farm Work for Your Visa?

If you’re on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) and want to apply for a second-year or third-year extension, you’ll need to complete a set amount of specified work in a regional area.

For most backpackers, this means farm work — things like fruit picking, cattle mustering, or vineyard work.

But here’s what you need to know:

• Farm work is only required if you’re extending your visa. If you’re staying for just one year, you can work in any industry.

• The job must be in an eligible regional area. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane don’t count.

How a White Card Can Help with Farm Work

Even though construction work itself doesn’t count for visa extensions, many farm jobs involve construction-related tasks, where a White Card can give you an advantage.

For example, some farms need workers for:

Fencing & property maintenance – Fixing fences, repairing gates, and general upkeep.

 

Building sheds & farm structures – Erecting small buildings, repairing barns, or working with basic construction tools.

Irrigation system installation – Digging trenches, laying pipes, and assembling watering systems.

Basic construction work on rural properties – Repairing infrastructure, setting up machinery, or general labor.

Many farm employers prefer workers with a White Card because it shows you understand workplace safety and can handle tools and construction tasks responsibly.

If you have one, you’re likely to get more job offers, better tasks (rather than just picking fruit), and possibly even higher pay.

Construction & Labouring Jobs

Pay: $30–$50 per hour
Availability: High demand in cities & regional areas
Required? A White Card is mandatory

Why it’s a great option:

• No experience needed — many roles involve basic tasks like moving materials or assisting tradespeople.

• One of the highest-paying casual jobs available.

• Easy to find — major cities and areas like Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane always need workers.

• Flexible work hours — suits students and short-term workers.

Types of jobs:

• General labourer

• Trades assistant (helping electricians, plumbers, etc.)

• Site cleaner

• Traffic controller

• Landscaping & fencing (if related to a construction site)

Many employers prefer backpackers with a White Card, as it proves you understand safety requirements.

Farm Work & Regional Jobs

Pay: $24–$35 per hour (or per piece for fruit picking)
Availability: Seasonal, but always needed in regional areas
Required? A White Card helps for certain roles

Why it’s a great option:

• Visa extensions — Working Holiday Visa holders can qualify for a second-year or third-year visa by doing specified farm work.

• Some employers offer free accommodation and meals.

• No experience needed — training is usually provided.

Types of jobs:

• Fruit & vegetable picking

• Cattle and livestock farmhand

• Vineyard work

• Shed building & farm maintenance (White Card preferred)

• Irrigation system installation (White Card preferred)

Some farm jobs involve construction-related tasks (fencing, shed building), and employers prefer workers with a White Card for safety reasons.

Traffic Control Jobs

Pay: $35–$60 per hour
Availability: High demand in cities & highways
Required? White Card + Traffic Control Course

Why it’s a great option:

• Extremely high pay, with some jobs offering double shifts or night rates.

• Mostly directing traffic or holding signs, so it’s not physically demanding.

• Constant demand due to roadworks and infrastructure projects.

A White Card is required, and most states also require a Traffic Control ticket.

Mining & Resources Jobs

Pay: $40–$70 per hour
Availability: High demand in WA, QLD, NT
Required? White Card + Additional safety tickets (depending on role)

Why it’s a great option:

• One of the highest-paying casual jobs.

• No experience needed for many entry-level roles.

• Regional locations qualify for visa extensions.

Types of jobs:

• Mining site labourer

• Driller assistant

• Equipment cleaner

• Warehouse & logistics worker

A White Card is a major advantage for mining-related roles, as many sites require safety certification.

Warehouse & Delivery Jobs

Pay: $25–$40 per hour
Availability: High demand in cities & industrial areas
Required? Forklift license (plus White Card for some roles involving on-site work and deliveries).

Why it’s a great option:

• Higher wages for evening or night shifts.

• Simple, repetitive work that’s easy to learn.

• Plenty of job openings, especially in large cities.

Types of jobs:

• Packing & sorting in warehouses

• Delivery driver (e.g. construction materials delivered on-site)

• Forklift operator (requires a separate forklift license)

If you have a driver’s license, delivery jobs can offer flexible hours and extra income.

Cleaning & Housekeeping Jobs

Pay: $25–$35 per hour
Availability: High demand in hotels, offices, construction sites, and mining camps around Australia
Required? No formal qualifications (White card required for construction and mining housekeeping cleaning roles).

Why it’s a great option:

• No experience needed — easy to start.

• Flexible hours.

• Always in demand.

Types of jobs:

• Mining camp housekeeper

• Office cleaner

• Construction site cleaner

• Commercial cleaning services

This is a good job to gain entry-level experience for a variety of different industries and workplaces around Australia.

 

Which Job is Best for You?

FAQs:

Is a White Card really worth it, or can I find work without one?

You can find work without a White Card, but your options will be limited and lower-paying. Jobs in hospitality or retail are competitive and often pay less than what you’d earn in construction or labouring.

With a White Card, you can apply for higher-paying jobs that hire fast — construction, traffic control, mining, and even some farm and cleaning jobs. It’s a small investment for better work.

How fast can I get a White Card and start working?

The fastest way is to complete the white card training in one day, get your certificate, and start applying for jobs the very next day. 

Can I get my White Card online?

Some states allow 100% online training, while others require in-person courses. Click the following link to check the latest rules about getting a white card online in Australia.

I’m on a Working Holiday Visa. Will this help me get regional work?

Yes. Many regional jobs in farm work, mining, and construction prefer or require a White Card. Some of these may count towards visa extensions, making a White Card even more valuable.

How much does a White Card cost?

Prices range from $90 to $180, depending on the provider. A construction job typically pays $30 to $40 per hour, so the first few hours of your first shift would cover the entire cost of the White Card training.

What jobs can I get with a White Card?

• Construction & labouring – Easiest high-pay work, no experience needed.

• Traffic control – Stand, hold a sign, get paid well.

• Mining & farm work – Some roles require a White Card, others just prefer it.

• Cleaning & warehouse work – If it’s on a construction site, you’ll need one.

Steps to Getting a White Card in Australia

Getting a White Card is straightforward, and with the right provider, you can complete your training quickly and start applying for better-paying jobs.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose an Accredited Training Provider

A White Card must be obtained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as National White Card Courses.

Make sure the provider you is nationally recognised so your certification is valid across Australia.

Step 2: Enrol in a White Card Course

White Card courses are run at training centres in all states across Australia.

The course usually takes around 6 hours and covers essential workplace safety, including hazard identification, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and legal responsibilities.

Step 3: Complete the Training & Assessment

The course covers essential workplace safety topics, including:

• Construction hazards and risk prevention

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements

• Emergency procedures and legal responsibilities

At the end of the course, you’ll complete a short assessment to demonstrate your understanding.

Step 4: Get Your White Card

Once you pass, your training provider will process your certification. You will receive a statement of attainment immediately after completion, allowing you to start working right away.

Step 5: Start Applying for Jobs

With your White Card, you can now apply for construction, traffic control, mining, and other high-paying roles.

Many employers prioritise workers who already have their certification, so this step can help you get hired faster.