
How do I become a jockey?
Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
- Completed Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience

Certificate II in Horse Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.



Certificate I in Racing
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Related occupations
Stable Hand
A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.
Stable Manager
A Stable Manager supervises daily operations in a horse stable, ensuring horse care and managing staff, finances, and schedules efficiently.
Trainee Farrier
A Trainee Farrier treats horse hooves, fits horseshoes, works irregular hours, and requires strong communication and horse handling skills.
Farrier
A Farrier trims and shapes horses’ hooves, fits custom shoes, treats hoof issues, and works irregular hours, requiring strong horse handling skills.
Track Rider
A Track Rider exercises horses for racing or training, improves their fitness, addresses behavioural issues, and works in a team, often with irregular hours.
Racing Cadet Steward
A Racing Cadet Steward oversees horse races, ensuring compliance with regulations, handling investigations, and enforcing rules on equipment, performances, and animal care.
Horse Trainer
A Horse Trainer prepares horses for racing or competitions, develops fitness, trains behaviour, and aids in recovery, requiring horse handling skills and team collaboration.
Horse Breeding Assistant
A Horse Breeding Assistant supports breeding, training, and care of horses for racing, dressage, and more, working irregular hours as needed.
Horse Riding Instructor
A Horse Riding Instructor coaches students in equestrian techniques, conducts lessons, prepares them for competitions, and adapts to individual needs.
Common questions
How much does a Jockey earn?
In Australia, a full time Jockey generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Jockey?
The number of people working in this field has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 580 people employed as a Jockey in Australia and this number has remained the same over the last five years. Jockeys may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Jockey?
A Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) is an excellent qualification if you’re planning a career as a Jockey. You’ll develop the skills to prepare and ride horses in official races and adhere to racing industry ethics and protocols. This course covers a range of topics including riding in trials and races, improving race performance, sports science for jockeys, racing trials and enquiries, media interviews for racing and small business skills.
Further reading


Most popular sport courses
21st July 2022)