If you’ve been thinking about picking up some casual work – something flexible, local and genuinely meaningful – the 2026 Census has just opened up one of the best opportunities of the year, and it’s particularly well suited to people over 60.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is now hiring more than 16,000 Field Officers for the 2026 Census. The positions are available in virtually every corner of the country, the hours are flexible and – crucially – no prior experience is required.
Field Officers are paid $31.19 per hour, inclusive of a 25 per cent casual loading, plus superannuation. For a short-term casual role that you can do close to home, that’s a solid rate.
Field Officers answer the public’s questions about the Census, deliver Census letters and forms and follow up with those who have not responded. They also support people who require additional assistance to complete their Census.
In practical terms, it means getting out into your local neighbourhood, knocking on doors and helping make sure everyone in your community gets counted. The ABS will hire Field Officers locally, where possible, to provide local knowledge and support to the community. That local knowledge – knowing the streets, recognising faces, understanding the community – is exactly where older Australians have a genuine advantage.
The roles are casual with flexible hours across a mix of weekdays, evenings and weekends. Candidates should be available for the full contract period, which runs from either July 9 through to October 1, 2026. The Census night itself is Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Field Officer is the entry-level position but it’s not the only option. Community Field Officers earn $34.11 per hour including casual loading, plus superannuation, and work with diverse communities. Local Engagement Officers for culturally and linguistically diverse communities earn $42.65 per hour.
Field Manager roles are also available – these involve leading Census operations locally, including recruiting, training and managing a team of Field Officers. If you’ve had management or supervisory experience in your career, a Field Manager role could be a good fit.
The positions are specifically noted as well suited to retirees who are familiar with their local streets and neighbourhood. Beyond that, the qualities that make a good Field Officer – patience, good communication, the ability to put people at ease, cultural sensitivity and life experience – are things that come with age. Helping an elderly neighbour complete their form, or knowing how to approach a household that seems reluctant, draws on exactly the kind of people skills that can’t be taught in a training session.
It also gets you out of the house, keeps you active, pays well and contributes to something that genuinely matters. Census data shapes decisions about hospitals, schools, aged care services and infrastructure across the country for years to come. Every door you knock on counts.
Applications are open now at census.abs.gov.au/jobs. Given the volume of applications expected, it’s worth applying sooner rather than later to be considered for your local area. Your residential address will be used to match you to opportunities near you, so make sure you apply using your correct home address.
This is one of those jobs that doesn’t come around very often – flexible, local, well paid, no experience required and genuinely good for the community. It’s worth a look.