Are you interested in becoming an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator in Australia and wondering how much this job pays? This rewarding role plays an essential part in the Australian childcare and education system — offering a stable income, clear career progression, and strong job opportunities.

Let’s explore with NextGem what it takes to start your OSHC Educator career in Australia.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator in Australia
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator in Australia

 

1. What is an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator?

An Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Educator works in childcare services that operate before and after school and during school holidays, supporting primary school-aged children through engaging activities, learning support, and social development.

Their role allows parents to work with peace of mind while ensuring children are cared for in a safe and positive environment.

Typical responsibilities of an OSHC Educator:
  • Supervise and care for children: Ensure safety, wellbeing, and active engagement.
  • Plan and deliver activities: Organise fun, creative, educational, or sports-based programs.
  • Learning support: Assist children with homework or enrichment activities.
  • Behaviour guidance: Encourage positive habits and manage group dynamics effectively.
  • Communicate with parents: Provide updates on progress, behaviour, or wellbeing.
  • Comply with regulations: Maintain safety and follow Australian childcare and education standards.

In short, an OSHC Educator plays a vital role in supporting children’s holistic development outside regular school hours — bridging care and education seamlessly.

2. Qualifications and Skills Required

To work as an OSHC Educator in Australia, most employers require at least one of the following:

Some centres also accept university students currently studying Education, Early Childhood Education, or Community Services, as long as they have completed part of their course.

Mandatory certifications (as required by Australian law):
  • Working With Children Check (WWCC) – ensures you are cleared to work with children.
  • First Aid Certificate (including CPR, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma management).
  • Child Protection / Mandatory Reporting Training – prepares you to identify and report any child safety concerns.
Experience
  • Formal experience is not always required, but previous work or volunteering with children is a strong advantage.
  • Leadership positions (e.g., OSHC Coordinator or Team Leader) typically require 1–2 years of experience in education or childcare settings.
Key skills for OSHC Educators
  • Group management: Ability to supervise and engage multiple children at once.
  • Communication: Work effectively with children, parents, colleagues, and schools.
  • Activity planning: Create age-appropriate and meaningful activities.
  • Safety and problem-solving: Respond calmly and effectively to unexpected situations.
  • Patience and empathy: Understand children’s behaviour and foster a supportive environment.

3. Career Opportunities and Progression

The OSHC sector in Australia is rapidly expanding due to increasing demand for before- and after-school care and school holiday programs.
Large organisations such as YMCA, TeamKids, Camp Australia, and Kelly Club are continuously hiring and expanding their networks.

Beyond the Educator role, the sector offers diverse career paths in coordination, management, and special needs support.

Typical career pathway:
  • Educator – Provide direct care, supervision, and support in daily programs.
  • Qualified Educator – Take on additional responsibilities with relevant qualifications.
  • Assistant Coordinator / Team Leader – Manage small teams, schedules, and program planning.
  • Coordinator / Director of Service – Oversee entire OSHC centres, staff, and compliance.
  • Area Manager / Policy or Training Specialist – Lead multiple centres or contribute to policy development and professional training.

This pathway allows you to grow from hands-on care roles to leadership and policy positions within Australia’s education and care sector.

4. Salary Overview

The average salary for OSHC Educators in Australia varies by state, work type, and experience:

Overall, OSHC Educators enjoy competitive and stable salaries, with opportunities for higher pay in senior or management roles.

5. Why Choose a Career as an OSHC Educator in Australia?

Working as an OSHC Educator is ideal for those who:

  • Love working with children
  • Want to make a positive contribution to the community
  • Seek a stable and rewarding career in education and care

With strong workforce demand, clear career advancement, and competitive pay, this is an excellent pathway for international students and anyone looking to build a future in Australia’s growing education sector.

>> Contact NextGem today to get expert advice and tailored guidance on how to start your OSHC Educator career in Australia!