Perth is popular with expats due to its fantastic climate, laid-back lifestyle, and slightly lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The capital of Western Australia is also the main base for 'fly-in, fly-out' workers (often referred to as 'FIFO' workers), who live in Perth and commute to remote sites for work. With an excellent outdoor lifestyle and Aussie tourist hotspot Bali, just a short flight away, it's no wonder overseas workers are flocking to this sun-drenched city.
The job market in Perth
The job market in Perth has a strong focus on engineering, mining, oil, and gas; however, not everything in the WA capital is mining-related. Expats looking for work in Perth should note that the city's other major industry employers include health care and social assistance, construction, education and training, and professional, scientific and technical services (which includes architecture, engineering, legal, and computer system design).
In June 2025, the was 3.9%, which was lower than the national rate of 4.1%. However, the job market in Perth can be highly competitive, and some employers prefer applicants to have Australian work experience or relevant qualifications. As an expat, it can be challenging to secure a job in Australia without local experience or on-the-ground contacts; however, there are skills shortages across several sectors, with positions just waiting to be filled.
Most promising fields for expats
It's good news for those with qualifications and experience in healthcare and social services. Between February 2023 and February 2024, Meanwhile, there was a 5.9% rise in employment for those with construction credentials.
And more opportunities have opened up for skilled expats in WA due to temporary changes to the . The WA government has added more than 100 occupations to the State Nomination occupation list, with skills shortages in education and training, and hospitality and tourism, also providing excellent opportunities for skilled expats.
For instance, the WA government is recruiting across the state from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and South Africa. And there are plenty of employment opportunities if you've got qualifications and experience in hospitality. High staff turnover and skill shortages are impacting WA's tourism, hotels and hospitality venues, so there are plenty of opportunities for skilled expatriates to pick up work. is a website dedicated to the tourism and hospitality sector in WA, and job seekers both in Australia and abroad can search the site for vacancies.
In addition, is helping local construction companies attract skilled workers by offering payments of up to AUD 10,000 (USD 6,575) for expenses such as migration agent fees and relocation costs. The grant can be accessed by employers, skilled migrants already living in Australia and qualified expats applying from overseas.
Top employers in Perth
Perth is home to numerous large employers and serves as a major hub for the state's mining industry. There are three mining companies in the top employer list below due to the city's proximity to iron ore mines, gas reserves, and large ports along the coastline. Other leading employers are the following:
- : During 2023-2024, the Western Australian Government employed close to 241,000 people.
- : BHP is one of the world's largest mining companies and has a significant presence in Perth due to its iron ore operations.
- : A global mining company with an operations office in Perth, and mining operations in WA's Pilbara region.
- : Global energy company with headquarters in Perth and more than 3,500 employees across the state.
- : One of Australia's largest listed companies, with headquarters in Perth and a diverse portfolio that includes retail giants such as Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks.
- : Royal Perth Hospital is one of the largest public hospitals in Western Australia. The state's leading tertiary hospital employs around 6,000 people.
What is FIFO in Australia?
°Â³ó±ð²ÔÌýhunting for jobs in Western Australia, you are likely to hear the term 'FIFO' (pronounced 'FIE-FO') mentioned a lot. This is because Perth is the hub for fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) employment in WA.ÌýFIFO work is a common employment arrangement in the mining, oil, and gas industries, where workers fly to remote mining or exploration sites to work for a set period before returning to their home base.ÌýPerth is the main departure point for FIFO workers, with its well-connected airport offering easy access to remote sites across the state.
FIFO work can offer high pay rates and benefits, such as accommodation and meals provided on-site, making it an attractive option for many workers. However, it can also be challenging, with long periods away from home and physically demanding work in remote locations.
Perth has a significant mining industry, which is a major employer for FIFO workers. The mining industry has a substantial impact on the Western Australian economy, and mining companies often advertise for FIFO positions in Perth. Other industries, such as construction and offshore oil and gas, also employ FIFO workers based out of Perth.
While FIFO work can offer attractive remuneration, it is important to carefully consider the lifestyle and work requirements associated with this type of employment. Workers should be prepared for the physical and mental demands of remote work, as well as the potential impact on family and personal relationships due to long periods away from home.
Salaries in Western Australia
In 2024, . The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that workers in the city earned AUD 1,500 (USD 980), while regional WA took out top spot for median weekly earnings outside of capital cities with AUD 1,442 (USD 942).
Salaries vary across industries, but the in 2024 was AUD 113,282 (USD 74,488), and you can earn more than .
What visa is required to work in Perth?
To work in Australia, you require a visa that grants you the right to work. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is valid for one year. It allows eligible young adults to work and travel around Perth and throughout Australia for up to 12 months, with possible extensions. There is also a range of more permanent work visas for expats in Australia, some of which require sponsorship by an employer.
If you have a , you are entitled to work part-time in Perth for up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, and you can work full-time during the holidays. And if your occupation is on the list of , then you may be able to find work in Perth ²¹²Ô»åÌý±è´Ç³Ù±ð²Ô³Ù¾±²¹±ô±ô²â receive sponsorship through an employer. Consult with the  for more information.
Job hunting basics in Perth
When it comes to finding work as an expat in Perth, there are several ways to go about it. Probably the most popular approach to job hunting is to search for openings via online job portals. Then, there are the recruitment agencies that specialize in placing expats in Australian roles. Networking can also be an effective way to find work, as can volunteering, an internship or undertaking further study to gain local qualifications and experience.
Websites
If you're looking for a job in Perth, try one of the job search websites. ,Ìý, ,Ìýand are some of the more common employment portals where you can search for jobs by location and occupation. You can also use LinkedIn to search for jobs, and companies and recruitment agencies can view your profile and contact you with suitable opportunities. Some jobs are advertised across multiple platforms, whereas others may be limited to the employer's own website. We recommend joining a few recruitment agency websites so that you can cast your net as wide as possible.
Here are some more helpful job search websites:
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- .
Recruitment agencies
It's also a good idea to utilize the services of a recruitment agency based in WA, as they will have expert knowledge of the local labor market. Agencies specialize in different industries, job types, and levels of positions, which will make the whole process much easier for you. There are a large number of agencies in Perth, but some of the leading recruitment companies include ,Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
Applying for a job in Perth
CV and cover letter
It is essential that your CV and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Aim for two pages for your resume, and keep your cover letter to one page. Don't just send out a generic cover letter either; utilize a template and personalize your application to the specific role you are applying for. Connect your skills to the job being advertised, explaining why you are a good fit for the job. The job ad will usually detail what you need to include in your application. For advice on improving your job applications, including tips on CV and cover letter writing, visit the website.
Job interviews
Interviews in Perth and Australia, in general, will follow a standard format, where upper-level staff from the organization will ask you questions about your work experience and general suitability for the role. Online interviews became commonplace during COVID, so there will likely be opportunities for you to interview for a role from abroad. You can find tips for interviewing well on the . Another great resource is recruitment agency websites, which often feature blogs on topics related to job searching and interview dos and don'ts.
Overseas qualifications
Qualifications are an essential part of job applications in Australia, and you will need to prove that you have the appropriate qualifications for the roles you are applying for. Certain types of employment require specific skill levels and certifications, and you may need to provide either your original qualification documents or certified copies. Sometimes, your qualifications, even if they are essentially equivalent to those in Australia, may not be accepted.ÌýIn Western Australia, the  can help you secure work by determining if your qualifications are transferable. This free assessment service evaluates post-secondary qualifications, including bachelor's degrees and above, as well as technical and vocational qualifications.
English language skills
Strong English skills are essential for working in Australia. If you would like to improve your language skills, many community centers and TAFE educational centers in Australia offer free or low-cost English classes.
What is it like working in Perth?
Despite being a capital city, Perth is a lot more laid-back than Melbourne and Sydney; therefore, you'll find a more relaxed work culture too. Expect competitive salaries, attractive employee benefits, and a focus on work-life balance, where after-work drinks with your colleagues are a regular occurrence, and management and staff refer to each other by their first names. And when it comes to the dress code, it depends on your employer and your industry. Since COVID, there has been a general shift away from more formal work attire in Australia. While the power suit may have its place in some client-facing professions, it has generally been replaced by more smart-casual attire that combines formal wear with casual pieces. Also keep in mind that Perth is known as Australia's sunniest capital city, so you won't need the layers of clothing that are required when commuting to and from work in Canberra or Melbourne during winter.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
