Governess jobs in Sydney, NSW typically pay A$46–A$85 an hour (about A$7,950–A$14,700 a month full time). Live-in positions are common, with a usual schedule of full-time, often travelling with the family. Employers ask for teaching degree or qualification and a national police check and. Register with AvailJob to be matched with families hiring in Sydney.
- Typical pay
- A$46–A$85
- per hour
- Full-time monthly
- A$7,950–A$14,700
- about 40 hours a week
- Live-in
- Common
- accommodation provided
- Schedule
- Full-time
- often travelling with the family
- Open now
- 0
- register to be matched
Open governess positions in Sydney
No open position is listed for Sydney today. New governess jobs are added as families hire. Register once and we will match you to the next opening near you.
Register as a GovernessAbout governess jobs in Sydney
Working as a governess in Sydney, NSW means joining a private household. The governess combines childcare with structured education, often supporting a family that travels or home-schools, and families across Greater Sydney hire for this role all year round.
Sydney is known for banking, technology, professional services, and healthcare, and many of the families who hire domestic staff here work for employers such as Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Atlassian, Canva, Macquarie Group, and NSW Health. Sydney generates about a quarter of Australia's economic output and hosts the Asia-Pacific headquarters of dozens of global firms.
Main duties
- Teach and supervise lessons at home
- Support homework and exam preparation
- Develop languages, reading and study skills
- Plan cultural and educational outings
- Report progress to parents
Governess pay in Sydney
Household incomes in Sydney are shaped by an average local salary of around A$98,000, which is why governess pay here sits above the Australia average. Pay rises with experience, references, live-in flexibility and extra duties such as driving or cooking.
Indicative ranges for 2026 based on local salary levels and published household pay; individual offers vary.
A day as a governess
- 7:30Breakfast & school run
- 9:30Play & learning
- 12:00Lunch & nap
- 15:00Pick-up & homework
- 18:00Dinner, bath & handover
Why work in Sydney?
The local job market is growing at 3.8% annually, so demand for reliable household staff keeps rising as more dual-income families move to Sydney.
Sydney is often described as “Australia's Finance and Tech Capital”, and its households expect a professional standard of service.
Requirements
What families ask for
- Teaching degree or qualification
- Experience with private families
- Background check
- Additional languages are a plus
Working in Australia
- Right to work in Australia: Workers must hold a visa with work rights; check eligibility through the government’s VEVO service.
- Checks: employers usually ask for a national police check and, for roles with children, a state Working With Children Check; NDIS worker screening applies to some disability support roles.
- Minimum pay: wages must meet the national minimum wage or the applicable award rate.
- Contract: A written agreement covering hours, pay rates, penalty rates and leave is strongly recommended.
Live-in or live-out?
Live-in governess roles in Sydney normally include a private room and meals; the value of board is sometimes deducted from pay, so compare offers on the total package. Live-out roles pay the full hourly rate, and families often add travel costs for early starts.
How to get hired
- Register
Create your profile with your governess experience, availability and references.
- Verification
Complete Australia right-to-work and background checks.
- Interview & trial
Meet the family and work a short, paid trial day.
- Contract & start
Agree pay, hours and leave in writing before you start.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a governess earn in Sydney, NSW?
Governess jobs in Sydney, NSW typically pay A$46–A$85 an hour (about A$7,950–A$14,700 a month full time). Experience, live-in arrangements, hours and extra duties move pay within this range.
Are there live-in governess jobs in Sydney?
Live-in positions are common. Live-in governess roles in Sydney normally include a private room and meals; the value of board is sometimes deducted from pay, so compare offers on the total package.
What do I need to work as a governess in Australia?
Employers ask for teaching degree or qualification, experience with private families and a national police check and. You must also have the right to work in Australia.
What does a governess do day to day?
A governess combines childcare with structured education, often supporting a family that travels or home-schools. Typical duties include teach and supervise lessons at home, support homework and exam preparation, develop languages, reading and study skills.
How do I apply for governess jobs in Sydney on AvailJob?
Register your profile with your experience, availability and references. When a family in Sydney hires for this role, you are matched and contacted.
What hours does a governess work?
A typical schedule is full-time, often travelling with the family. Hours, days off and overtime should be written into your contract.