17 Legitimate Work from Home Jobs in Australia

Since the pandemic first hit Australia, work from home jobs has become the norm for a lot of businesses and organisations.

In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics surveyed Australian households and found that two in five people with a job (41 per cent) worked from home at least once a week in February 2021, compared with 24 per cent at least once a week before March 2020.

As we begin to explore our ‘new normal’, more people are turning to work from home jobs that offer some financial stability and job security regardless of lockdowns and restrictions. And the best part? Many of these jobs require no tertiary degree!

Highest Paying Work from Home Jobs

Working from home doesn’t mean giving up a great salary – many of these jobs offer a more flexible work-life and great pay.

These are the best work from home jobs with the highest pay for 2021:

1. Copywriter
2. Bookkeeper
3. Virtual Assistant
4. Call Centre Representative
5. Online Tutor
6. Digital Marketing Specialist
7. Mental Health Counsellor
8. Software Developer
9. Beauty Therapist
10. Personal Trainer
11. Graphic Designer
12. Conference & Event Organiser
13. Website Designer
14. Makeup Artist
15. Translator
16. Contract Administrator
17. Nanny or Au Pair

Jobs You Can Do from Home in Australia

One positive to come out of the pandemic so far has been the cultural shift around how and where work takes place – it’s shown that work doesn’t need to necessarily be in an office setting to be valuable.

While many work from home jobs don’t require a Bachelor’s degree, they could all benefit from some form of study or qualification through a trusted education and training provider like TrainSmart Australia.

#1 Copywriter

Average pay: $30.10 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: None required

Job Growth: Stable (joboutlook.gov.au)

If you have a whimsical way with words, can write clearly and concisely, and can captivate a target audience, being a freelance copywriter might be for you.

Copywriters research topics and write copy to help businesses market their products or services. This may include writing copy for website pages, blogs, advertisements, social media posts, emails, speeches, and documents.

While copywriters don’t require a formal qualification to work in the industry, having a Bachelor degree in Journalism can set you up with the skills to write concisely, with proper sentence structure, tone, and grammar.

Copywriting can be done from anywhere you have access to a laptop and internet, making it a great role for people who enjoy flexibility.

#2 Bookkeeper

Average pay: $28.95 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or FNS50217 Diploma in Accounting

Job Growth: Stable (joboutlook.gov.au)

A bookkeeper is responsible for keeping the accounts and financial information for a company up-to-date, with data entry and bank reconciliation the two major tasks involved in the role. Some of the other key duties of a bookkeeper are:

• Preparing and sending invoices and receipts
• Data entry
• Managing payroll
• Reporting to management with income statements and balance sheets.

Thanks to online accounting software, video conferencing, and other systems, bookkeepers can remotely work with a range of clients across a variety of industries.

To become a bookkeeper, you will need to complete a Certificate IV Accounting and Bookkeeping or a Diploma in Accounting.

Bookkeepers may need to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) for tax purposes, which also requires a bookkeeper to complete GST and BAS units of study. In addition, bookkeepers looking to be registered as a BAS agent will need to apply to the Tax Practitioners Board to work in the industry.

 

#3 Virtual Assistant

Average pay: $28.64 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: BSB0415 Diploma of Business Administration

Job Growth: Decline (joboutlook.gov.au)

A virtual assistant (VA) is a professional office administrator/personal assistant, who can offer a range of remote personalised administrative services to clients across Australia.

This kind of role is popular due to its flexible nature – VAs can do any role that is done online without having to step foot in an office.

VAs use video conferencing platforms to run meetings and cloud storage options to save completed documents, while also replying to emails, updating social media accounts, data entry, and managing schedules for their clients.

You can become a VA without training, but we highly recommend undertaking a BSB04015 Diploma of Business Administration to give you a competitive edge. This course covers a range of skills, such as implementing new administration procedures, managing payrolls, including prioritising workloads, and professional development.

VAs should have critical thinking and customer service skills, as well as experience in Microsoft Office and scheduling software.

#4 Call Centre Representative

Average pay: $23.54 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: BSB30215 Certificate III in Customer Engagement

Job Growth: Moderate (joboutlook.gov.au)

Call centres and their representatives often get a bad rap for the work they do, but working in a call centre and helping customers can be a rewarding role.

There are two types of call centre operations:

• Inbound – receive calls from customers
• Outbound – makes calls to customers to sell products or services, including fundraising.

Call centre representatives may work on behalf of a range of companies and industries, from internet and telecommunications providers to banks and technology companies.

While you can definitely begin a career in a call centre without any formal qualifications, undertaking a Certificate III in Customer Engagement may help you to better prepare for the variety of customers and interactions you will experience while working as a call centre representative, giving you the skills to confidently work from home.

#5 Online Tutor

Average pay: $29.63 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: Experience/qualifications in the relevant field.

Job Growth: Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

Whether you’re a university student, teacher, lecturer or professional in your chosen industry, your skills and knowledge could be put to good use as an online tutor.

Before you take on an ongoing role as an online tutor, it is important to choose an area of expertise – such as English, mathematics, human biology, psychology or history. This ensures that you aren’t tutoring in topics that you aren’t completely familiar with and you can cater your teaching style to the right audience.

Depending on how you want to structure your tutoring work, you can opt to work as a freelance tutor or be employed through a tutoring organisation.

There are no formal qualifications required to work as an online tutor in Australia. However, there are some skills and experiences that will be favourable for your students or tutoring organisation, such as:

• Completed Year 12 with a high ATAR – particularly with high results in the subjects you are tutoring in
• Working with Children Check
• Member of the Australian Tutoring Association
• Experience or qualifications in an industry related to the topic you are tutoring

 

#6 Digital Marketing Specialist

Average pay: $27.80 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: No specifics required, however tertiary qualifications in marketing & short courses in digital marketing may help.

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

As the name suggests, digital marketing specialists are professionals who promote brands, services or products via digital media channels such as social media, websites, applications, search engines, and emails.

With technology evolving so rapidly, it is important for digital marketing specialists to keep up with any changes to make the most of each marketing campaign. This involves understanding best practice for marketing, utilising measurable analytics to amend campaigns for better performance, and knowing how to best engage with the relevant target audience.

While this profession doesn’t require any formal qualifications, a Bachelor degree in marketing or a short course in digital marketing can set you up with the skills to succeed in your career.

You may also benefit from joining an association or professional body such as the Australian Marketing Institute.

 

#7 Mental Health Counsellor

Average pay: $35.37 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: Bachelor of Counselling, CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling / CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

Mental health plays such an important role in overall health, especially in a time of such uncertainty, so having mental health counsellors available in the community is essential. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, remote and Telehealth counselling services have become more important than ever.

Counsellors work with individuals to support and help them through a range of personal thoughts and emotions, providing a safe space for individuals to clarify and explore any issues, increase self-awareness and develop coping strategies.

To work as a counsellor, you can undertake a CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health and/or CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling through TrainSmart Australia to give you a comprehensive introduction into the industry.

After finishing a diploma-level qualification, you can move onto studying a Bachelor of Counselling through a university. Once you have finished your degree, you can then apply to join the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

#8 Software Developer

Average pay: $30.87 (payscale.com)

Qualifications: ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology, Bachelor of Computer Science or a Bachelor of Software Engineering.

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au – Software and Applications Programmer)

According to Statista, as of January 2021 there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide – 59.5 percent of the global population! With so many people now connected to smart devices and technology, it’s no surprise that software developers are in demand across the world.

Software developers are responsible for creating a range of applications and computer programs – this includes analysing what users need, before mapping out the design, creating, and testing the software before it is rolled out for use.

To follow a career as a software developer, you can study ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology through TrainSmart Australia, or you could choose to go down the tertiary route by studying a Bachelor degree instead.

 

#9 Beauty Therapist

Average pay: $24.99 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: SHB50115 Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

The beauty industry focuses on helping clients look and feel great in their own skin, with services such as massage, lash and brow treatments, facials, hair removal, and make up often sought after as part of an individuals self-care routine.

With such a wide range of treatments and services within the beauty industry, many beauty therapists choose to specialise in just a couple of areas to give their clients the best experience.

A Diploma of Beauty Therapy through TrainSmart Australia will take you through a range of practical skills and knowledge to ensure you’re ready to provide treatments and services such as:

• Microdermabrasion
• Facials
• Spray tanning
• Waxing
• Lash & brow treatments
• Spa & wellness therapies

The course, which is 12 months in length, also teaches business skills, skin science, and knowledge in prescribing skincare.

After finishing your diploma, you can continue to upskill in certain treatments, work in a salon or move straight into opening your own beauty business from home.

#10 Personal Trainer or Coach

Average pay: $29.94 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness, SIS50215 Diploma of Fitness

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

Personal trainers and coaches are professionals in the fitness industry who work with clients of varying ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to help them achieve their health goals.

While personal trainers and coaches were once primarily aligned to gyms or community centres, the continued improvements in technology mean that personal trainers can now take on clients from across Australia. Many coaches use software that allows training programs, meal plans, and accountability forms to be personalised and uploaded to an app, where it can be accessed and used by individual clients.

Personal trainers may work one-on-one with clients, or run boot camps and group sessions to help individuals improve their fitness.

To become a personal trainer in Australia, you will require a SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness at a minimum, which will give you knowledge and understanding in anatomy, physiology, fitness levels, and posture screening, as well as how to plan and deliver exercise programs.

 

 

#11 Graphic Designer

Average pay: $26.61 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design).

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au – Graphic & Web Designers, and illustrators)

If you have a flair for creativity, design, and communicating ideas visually, then a job as a graphic designer is right up your alley. Graphic designers work with clients produce a range of designs using digital media, drawing, and typography.

While graphic designers may work in-house for a brand, work in an agency with many brands, or work as a freelance creative.

Due to the nature of graphic design work, some employers may allow graphic designers the flexibility to work from home full-time or part-time instead of working solely in an office, so it is well-worth exploring remote work as an option. Freelance graphic designers have the flexibility to work from home, choose their hours, and be more picky with their clients.

To become a graphic designer, you will usually be required to study a formal qualification, such as a Diploma of Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design). During these courses, students learn the necessary skills to work with a range of software, as well as business skills.

 

#12 Conference & Event Organiser

Average pay: $25.39 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: SIT30516 Certificate III in Events or SIT50316 Diploma of Event Management

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

The ongoing pandemic and lockdowns have shown that conference and event organisers need to be tough, quick thinking, and great at pivoting plans to bring an event to life.

Conference and event organisers are responsible for creating a range of safe events, using administration and operational skills to plan, deliver, and review each event. Highly personal events such as weddings depend entirely on the furniture and equipment that event organisers are able to source from wedding hire providers. To create memorable events, organisers should be calm under pressure and also have:

• People skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills
• Great organisation skills

Like many of the other roles on this list, no formal qualifications are required to get started in this industry, however, a Cert III in Events, Diploma of Event Management, or a Bachelor of Business (Event Management) can provide the skills to plan and manage events from start to finish.

 

#13 Web Designer

Average pay: $26.21 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology or Bachelor in Web Design.

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au – Graphic & Web Designers, and illustrators)

If you are looking for a business and their services, you probably go straight to your search engine to find the business’ website, right? If you don’t find them on your search engine, you probably don’t use their services.

That’s why websites (and web designers) are so important to a wide-range of businesses. Web designers create or re-design user-friendly websites that are on-brand, functional, and interactive for the user.

Thanks to online video conferencing, web designers can meet with clients from across the country – or world – and get to work on creating a great website.

There are a few paths that you could take to become a web designer, including studying a Diploma of Information Technology, or a Bachelor degree.

#14 Makeup Artist  

Average pay: $25.95 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: CUA51015 Diploma of Screen and Media or SHB50115 & CUA51015 Diploma of Beauty Therapy & Diploma of Screen and Media

Job Growth: Moderate (joboutlook.gov.au – Performing Arts Technicians)

Being a makeup artist doesn’t just involve making people feel beautiful before a special occasion – makeup artists work in the media, television, cosmetic companies, photo/film shoots, and even special effects like prosthetics to create particular looks.

Depending on the type of industry a makeup artist works in will depend on whether they can work from home or not – if an artist works in screen media, they likely need to be on set to do their job, whereas a makeup artist who does special occasion makeup could set up a home salon to do their client’s makeup.

A qualification isn’t required to work in the makeup industry, but there are benefits to obtaining a formal qualification.

At TrainSmart Australia, you can study a Diploma of Screen and Media or a dual qualification in a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and a Diploma of Screen & Media, where you learn techniques, network with others in the industry, and gain practical real-world experience with industry leaders – giving you a solid foundation to get started as a makeup artist.

Studying through a training organisation like TrainSmart also allows you to try out different forms of makeup artistry and beauty, so you can decide which makeup career path suits you best.

 

#15 Translator

Average pay: $24.79 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: PSP60816 Advanced Diploma of Translating

 Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au – Social Professionals)

Translators play an important role in making documents and information accessible to everyone, translating documents from one language to another – or multiple.

The key to translating information between languages is that the translation needs to remain accurate and be understood by the reader in the same way that it would in the original language.

Translators work with a range of source material and clients, including government, academic, and commercial businesses – think how information about COVID-19 in Australia needs to be translated into multiple languages to ensure the whole community understands the relevant information.

If you are bilingual, you may consider a career as a translator. There are no formal qualifications required to work as a translator, however you could choose to study the PSP60816 Advanced Diploma of Translating to advance your skills in translating.

 

#16 Contract Administrator

Average pay: $28.26 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management, Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Contract Administration)

Job Growth: Stable (joboutlook.gov.au)

Contracts play a vital role in day-to-day business life and have a variety of purposes, from job offer contracts to partnership agreements, property leases to indemnity agreements. Within larger companies, a contract administrator may be employed to manage the volume of contracts within the business.

The main role of a contract administrator is to ensure that the contract requirements are met by all parties involved within that contract. Due to the nature of the construction industry, many contract administrators work within the construction space. 

Depending on the industry you want to work in, there are a few different paths you can take to become a contract administrator.

A Diploma of Project Management through TrainSmart Australia will provide you with a great business base to begin your contract administration career. However, if you are looking to work exclusively within the construction industry, you may choose to first study a  Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Contract Administration) to give you more industry insight.

#17 Nanny or Au Pair

Average pay: $23.45 per hour (payscale.com)

Qualifications: No specifics required, however a CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care may be beneficial.

Job Growth: Very Strong (joboutlook.gov.au)

Working with children can be a fun, rewarding, and challenging career choice, with nannies making a real difference to the children and families they work with.

The major benefit of being a nanny is that you work with one family or a small group of children, which means you can create a real bond and give the children the best of care. Some nannies or au pairs live with the families they work with and may be provided an allowance for fuel and other bills to help cover expenses.

A CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care isn’t essential to working as a nanny or au pair in Australia, but it may be helpful to give you a better insight into childcare and education.

Nannies should also consider joining the Australian Nanny Association, which has the following national standards for working as a nanny or in-home carer:

• Hold a Working With Children Check
• Obtain a National Police Clearance
• Hold a current First Aid qualification (HLTAID012 or HLTAID011, or equivalent).
• Hold a current CPR qualification (HLTAID009 or equivalent).

 

Other skills that would benefit a nanny may include integrity, a driver’s licence, critical thinking, the ability to work at a fast pace, and a can-do attitude.

Tips on Finding Legitimate Work from Home Jobs

While there will likely be increasing amounts of flexible work from home positions advertised online over the coming months, it is important to keep an eye out for those too-good-to-be-true roles.

1. Research the Company

This is a top tip for any job you might apply for: before you prepare your resume or CV to send to a potential employer, take the time to research the company.

Try to find out things like:

• The company’s goals or mission statement
• Where their headquarters or office is located (street address)
• The industry they work in – ie. not-for-profit, finance, construction, education etc.

 

Have a look at social media, the company’s website and other pages on the web for additional information on company culture, services or products offered, and what the company does day-to-day.

2. Check if the Company or Business is Registered

If your senses are tingling that something isn’t quite right, you can search for the company or business on the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website or the Australian Government’s Australian Business Number (ABN) Register.

3. Understand the Role

If the job listing or available role has a vague job description, it’s a red flag. When advertising for a role, company’s want an employee/s with skills matched to that role, so no mention of essential or desired skills is eyebrow-raising.

Find out if the role is a contract, permanent, casual or part-time remote work and avoid it if the ad tells you that you can ‘be your own boss’ or promises ‘high commission’ or ‘six-figure income’. This leads us to the next point. 

4. Avoid “Get Rich Quick” Promises

When things sound too good to be true, they probably are. Unfortunately, people promising high paying work from home opportunities for little effort or a ‘guaranteed’ way to make a six-figure income are more than likely a scam.

The Government’s ScamWatch website says: “Be suspicious of unsolicited ‘work from home’ opportunities or job offers, particularly those that offer a ‘guaranteed income’ or require you to pay an upfront fee.”

 

Learn Skills to Work from Home

Working from home can be a long-term career option that offers flexibility, especially if you find an industry or career you love.

At TrainSmart Australia, you can study a range of Certificate III & IV level courses, as well as Diploma courses, that can give you the skills, knowledge, and industry insight you need to follow a fulfilling, flexible career.

To find out more about what makes TrainSmart Australia a leading education provider, visit the TrainSmart Australia website today.