How to become a Jockey
Rides horses in competitive races, race trials and in exercise.
Main tasks
- Rides horses in competitive races, race trials and in exercise
- Maintains a high level of physical fitness through regular exercise and training
- Monitors the health and condition of horses and reports any concerns to trainers
- Attends race meetings and participates in pre-race briefings
- Weighs in and out before and after races to ensure compliance with weight requirements
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) (RGR40221); Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) (RGR30518)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 16,100 people work in this job group now, and about 18,100 are projected by 2035. (+12.7%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Jockey?
Ways in include: Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey); Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider).
Is a Jockey a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 16,100 to about 18,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Jockey?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey); Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider).
Will AI change the work of a Jockey?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04