12-08-2025
Major appeal for workers in every Aussie area for government job paying $61 an hour: 'Critical'
More than 30,000 Australian workers will be needed to fill 'critically important' jobs for the upcoming Census. There are 12 months to go until the 2026 Census and workers are needed across the country.
The Census is conducted every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It's the biggest data collection in the country and gives a comprehensive picture of the population by counting every person and dwelling in the country.
The first jobs available are Census Engagement Managers, there will be a variety of jobs available for the Census in the coming months, including Field Officers and Field Managers.
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They will be responsible for leading outreach activities to help support people within their communities to participate in the census. That includes remote and regional communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Census general manager Jenny Telford said the temporary workforce would play a 'critical role' in ensuring people in Australia participate in the upcoming Census.
'By being a part of the Census team, people have an opportunity to ensure their community is accurately reflected in the 2026 data,' she said.
'We're seeking people who reflect the diversity of their communities, including those who speak multiple languages or have strong local connections.'
What jobs are available for the 2026 Census?
The first jobs available are Census Engagement Managers, but there will be a variety of jobs available for the Census in the coming months, including Field Officers and Field Managers.
Jobs may include delivering Census instructions and forms, answering questions from the public, and helping households that haven't yet responded. Other jobs involve managing a small team of people on the ground.
You can check current jobs through the Census website.
How much are the jobs paying?
The hourly rate for the Census Engagement Managers role is $61.50, including a 25 per cent loading, plus superannuation.
Rates for other roles will be confirmed when advertised, but Field Officers can earn about $30.13 per hour, including a 25 per cent loading, while Field Managers can earn $41.08 per hour, including a 25 per cent loading.
What is needed to secure these roles?
The ABS said it needed a range of people with different experiences, including experience supervising small teams for its Field Manager jobs and customer service experience for its Field Officer jobs.
It's also looking for people who can speak a language other than English, along with people with experience working with diverse groups.
No experience is needed for Field Officer jobs, and the ABS said it would provide training and workers would be supervised and supported during their work.
You can find out more information and apply for jobs here.
