Community & Business
6 May, 2026
Sign-up now to work on 2026 Aussie Census
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is now hiring more than 16,000 Field Officers for the 2026 Census.
THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is now hiring more than 16,000 Field Officers for the 2026 Census.
Held every five years, the Census collects data which informs decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business.
It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities.
For example, knowing the number of people living in regional and remote areas informs where doctors are needed and understanding local births and languages spoken at home, links Australians to the community services they need.
Field Officers are a key part of the Census team and the jobs provide an opportunity for people across Australia to play a role in making sure their community is counted in this year’s Census.
Emily Walter, Census National Spokesperson, Emily Walter said Field Officers would be hired locally, where possible, to provide local knowledge and support to their community.
“Field Officers are crucial to the success of the 2026 Census,” Ms Walter said.
“We need people from across Australia to join the Census team, to help us to ensure everyone in Australia on Census night is counted.
“Field Officers will answer the public’s questions about the Census, deliver Census letters and forms and follow up with those who have not responded.”
Field Officers will also support people who require additional assistance to complete their Census.
“We’re looking for people who are willing and motivated to help others and can communicate sensitively and respectfully,” Ms Walter said.
Applications for a range of other Census jobs, including Field Managers and Mobile Field Representatives, are open now.
People can visit www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs for more information, to apply for jobs and to join the 2026 Census Talent Community to be notified about future Census jobs.
Census team members require:
strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and relationships;
strong organisational skills and the ability to work in a team environment and independently;
the ability to communicate sensitively and respectfully, taking into account cultural and diverse backgrounds;
the ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances and/or situations.
Positions are available in all major cities and regional areas nationwide and applicants will need to be available to complete paid online training prior to starting in the field.
Field Officers are expected to begin work sometime between July and early August, depending on their location.
The hourly pay rate for Census Field Officers is $31.19 (inclusive of 25% casual loading), plus superannuation.
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