🏗️ Construction Jobs in Australia
Best paid sector for WHV holders. White Card required.
Construction Roles
Explore different construction roles available to WHV holders.
Salary Range
| Role | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Labourer | $30-35/hr |
| Painter | $32-38/hr |
| Carpenter | $35-45/hr |
| Demolition | $30-36/hr |
About Construction Work
Construction is the best paid sector for Working Holiday Visa holders in Australia. Work ranges from general labouring and demolition to skilled trades like carpentry and painting. Most jobs are found through labour hire agencies or word of mouth. The work is physically demanding but pays significantly more than hospitality or retail. Construction sites operate Monday to Friday with occasional Saturday work, and you can expect 38-50 hours per week during busy periods.
White Card
A White Card (also known as a General Construction Induction Card) is mandatory for anyone working on a construction site in Australia. You cannot start work without one.
- Complete a 1-day course online or in person
- Costs approximately AUD 80
- Valid nationally across all states and territories
- You will receive a temporary card immediately and the physical card by post within a few weeks
Visa Extension
Construction work can count toward the 88 days required for a visa extension, but eligibility depends on your visa subclass and where you work.
- Subclass 417: Construction work counts in any designated regional area across Australia.
- Subclass 462: Construction work only counts if performed in Northern Australia (northern parts of WA, NT, and QLD above the Tropic of Capricorn).
⚠️ Subclass 462 Limitation
If you hold a subclass 462 visa, construction work only counts for visa extension purposes if it is performed in Northern Australia. Work in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or other southern cities will not count toward your 88 days. Check the postcode eligibility before accepting a position.