Let’s be honest.

When most Nigerians land in Australia, the first goal is not a “dream job.”

The first goal is income.

Rent is running. Transport costs money. Food is not free.

So what jobs do Nigerians realistically get within the first 30 days?

Here are the most common ones.

1️⃣ Warehouse Worker / Picker & Packer

This is one of the fastest jobs newcomers get.

What you’ll do:

• Pack orders
• Load/unload goods
• Sort deliveries
• Work in distribution centres

Why it’s popular:
✔ No advanced qualification required
✔ Fast hiring process
✔ Shift flexibility
✔ Weekly pay

Pay range:
👉 AUD 25–35 per hour (depending on shift & location)

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have large warehouse hubs.

If you’re physically fit, this is often the first door that opens.

2️⃣ Cleaning Jobs (Commercial & Domestic)

Many Nigerians start here — and there’s no shame in it.

Types:

• Office cleaning
• School cleaning
• Airbnb cleaning
• Shopping centre cleaning

Why it works:
✔ High demand
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Can combine with study
✔ Often cash flow starts quickly

Pay range:
👉 AUD 25–35 per hour

Some migrants even move from worker to running their own small cleaning business within a year.

3️⃣ Kitchen Hand / Hospitality Jobs

Restaurants are always hiring.

Roles:

• Kitchen hand
• Dishwasher
• Food prep assistant
• Café assistant

Cities like Brisbane and Perth have strong hospitality demand.

Why it’s beginner-friendly:
✔ No local experience required sometimes
✔ Weekend penalty rates
✔ Easy entry if you’re available immediately

It may not be glamorous.

But it pays.

4️⃣ Disability Support Worker

This is one of the most common pathways Nigerians grow into.

Why?
Australia has a strong disability care system under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Roles:

• Personal care
• Community access support
• Overnight shifts

Why many Nigerians enter this field:
✔ High demand
✔ Flexible shifts
✔ Good hourly rate
✔ Pathway to long-term stability

Pay range:
👉 AUD 30–45 per hour (higher for night shifts)

Some people start within weeks after getting required checks and short training.

5️⃣ Aged Care Worker

Australia’s population is aging rapidly.

That means aged care facilities are constantly hiring.

Requirements:

• Police check
• Basic training/certificate
• Willingness to do personal care

Why it’s strategic:
✔ High demand nationwide
✔ Clear career progression
✔ Strong job security

Regional areas especially need workers.

Cities like Adelaide often have opportunities outside major metro pressure.

💡 The Real Secret Nobody Tells You

The people who get jobs within 30 days usually:

✔ Arrive with a proper CV (Australian format)
✔ Apply daily (10–30 applications per week)
✔ Accept casual roles first
✔ Network immediately
✔ Stay flexible

The ones who struggle often:
❌ Wait for the “perfect job”
❌ Compare themselves to people on Instagram
❌ Underestimate competition

🚨 Important Reality Check

These jobs are stepping stones.

They are not the final destination.

Many Nigerians:

• Start in warehouses
• Move into skilled roles
• Transition into corporate jobs
• Start businesses
• Build careers aligned with their degrees

The first 30 days are about survival.

The next 12 months are about strategy.

🎯 Final Advice for New Arrivals

If you’re landing soon, ask yourself:

• Do I have 3 months survival funds?
• Is my CV properly formatted?
• Am I mentally ready to start anywhere?

Because in Australia, progress comes faster when you’re willing to start small.