Being a student in Australia isn’t cheap. Between tuition, rent, textbooks, and nights out (we know you’re not skipping those), your bank account takes a beating. The good news? Australia has some of the highest student minimum wages in the world and plenty of part-time gigs that pay well and fit around your study schedule.
In this massive, honest guide, I’ll show you:
- The best paying part-time jobs for students in Australia right now.
- How much you can actually make.
- Where to find them.
- How to stand out (even if you have zero experience).
- Tips to balance work and study so you don’t burn out.
Ready? Let’s go!
✅ How Much Can You Really Make?
Before we dive in here’s what you need to know:
The national minimum wage in Australia (as of July 2025) is around AUD $24 per hour, but students often get slightly higher casual rates because casual workers get an extra loading (about 25%) instead of annual leave and sick pay.
So, a typical student working 15–20 hours a week can make:
- $360–$480 per week (minimum)
- $1,500–$2,000 per month
- $18,000–$24,000 per year just from part-time work!
Of course, some jobs pay more especially if you get good tips, work late hours, or have skills in demand.
Best Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students in Australia
Let’s break down the real winners jobs students across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and beyond are doing right now to keep their bank accounts healthy.
1️⃣ Hospitality Bartender, Barista or Waiter
Pay: $25–$40/hour (plus tips)
Why it’s good:
- Flexible shifts (nights, weekends).
- Tips can boost pay big time.
- Easy to find in every city.
Where to look:
- Bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, catering companies.
- Big chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, or local spots.
How to stand out:
- Get an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate if you’ll serve booze.
- Be friendly, reliable, and learn fast.
Bonus: Some venues pay more for late nights or public holidays.
2️⃣ Retail Assistant
Pay: $24–$35/hour (higher on weekends & holidays)
Why it’s good:
- Regular hours that fit around uni.
- Staff discounts!
- Good for improving English if you’re an international student.
Where to look:
- Supermarkets (Coles, Woolies).
- Fashion chains (H&M, Zara).
- Tech stores (JB Hi-Fi, Apple).
How to stand out:
- Good customer service skills.
- Flexible for weekends & peak periods.
3️⃣ Tutoring
Pay: $30–$60/hour
Why it’s good:
- Amazing pay for minimal hours.
- Flexible online or in-person.
- Looks great on your CV.
Where to look:
- Uni noticeboards.
- Websites like Tutor Finder, Cluey Learning, or even Gumtree.
- Offer tutoring in subjects you ace or in your native language.
Hot tip: Parents pay more for maths, science, or languages.
4️⃣ Delivery Driver or Rider (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Deliveroo)
Pay: $20–$35/hour (more in busy times)
Why it’s good:
- Total flexibility — work when you want.
- No boss breathing down your neck.
- Great if you have a bike, scooter, or car.
Where to look:
- Sign up directly with Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog, Deliveroo.
How to stand out:
- Be quick and polite good ratings = more orders.
5️⃣ Freelancing or Online WorkPay: $20–$100/hour (depends on skill)
Why it’s good:
- Work from home or the uni library.
- Zero commuting.
- Can build a career while studying.
Ideas:
- Graphic design, web dev, social media, copywriting, virtual assistant work.
- Sell services on Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.
Pro tip: Learn in-demand skills like Canva design, SEO, or basic coding.
6️⃣ Admin Assistant
Pay: $25–$35/hour
Why it’s good:
- Office experience for your CV.
- Regular shifts, mostly weekdays.
- Often flexible around uni hours.
Where to look:
- Uni admin offices.
- Temp agencies like Hays, Randstad, Robert Half.
How to stand out:
- Good English, attention to detail, Microsoft Office skills.
7️⃣ Supermarket Team Member
Pay: $25–$35/hour
Why it’s good:
- Giant chains are always hiring casuals.
- Good penalty rates for late nights/weekends.
- Stable, predictable hours.
Where to look:
- Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA.
8️⃣ Aged Care or Disability Support Worker
Pay: $28–$45/hour
Why it’s good:
- Huge demand in Australia.
- Rewarding work if you like helping people.
- Training often provided on the job.
Where to look:
- Local care agencies, NDIS providers.
Requirement: Might need a short course or police check.
9️⃣ Events Staff
Pay: $25–$50/hour (higher for big gigs)
Why it’s good:
- Fun, social, and sometimes you see concerts or games for free!
- Short shifts — good if you don’t want weekly commitments.
Where to look:
- Event companies, stadiums, festivals, catering companies.
🔟 Farm or Seasonal Work
Pay: $25–$35/hour or piece rate
Why it’s good:
- Great for regional students or during summer holidays.
- Often provides free or cheap accommodation.
Where to look:
- Fruit picking, packing sheds, wineries.
- Websites like Harvest Trail, Backpacker Job Board.
✅ Where to Find These Jobs
Ready to start applying? Here’s where students in Australia find part-time gigs:
✔️ Seek.com.au — Australia’s biggest job board.
✔️ Indeed.com.au — Good for casual work.
✔️ Gumtree Jobs — Local, odd jobs too.
✔️ Jora.com.au — Lots of student-friendly jobs.
✔️ Uni job boards — Your uni probably has a careers page.
✔️ Facebook groups — Search your city + “jobs for students”.
✔️ Walk-in — For cafes, retail, and bars, old-school works. Print your CV and say hi!
✅ How to Get Hired (Even If You Have Zero Experience)
Many students pani “But I don’t have any Aussie experience!”
Relax. Employers know students are students.
✔️ Tidy CV: Keep it 1 page. Highlight school projects, volunteering, or babysitting anything that shows reliability.
✔️ Right docs: Some roles need an RSA (bars) or Working With Children Check (tutoring).
✔️ Good attitude: Polite, reliable, show up on time you’d be shocked how many people can’t manage that.
✔️ Network: Tell classmates and lecturers you’re looking word of mouth still works.
✔️ Stay open: First jobs can be random once you have local experience, better gigs come fast.
Can International Students Work in Australia?
Yes! Australia is one of the best countries for international students wanting to work.
The rules:
- You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during study periods.
- Unlimited hours in official uni breaks.
Always check your visa conditions but generally, casual work is fair game.
How to Balance Work & Uni
The truth? It’s easy to burn out if you juggle a big study load with too many shifts.
Here’s how smart students keep it together:
- Stick to 15–20 hours per week max during semester.
- Pick jobs with flexible shifts.
- Be honest with your boss about exam periods.
- Use Google Calendar or a planner to block time for study, shifts & rest.
- Don’t say yes to every shift your degree comes first!
Extra Ways to Make Money as a Student
Part-time job not enough? Here’s how Aussie students boost their income:
- Freelance online: Fiverr, Upwork, Airtasker.
- Sell old textbooks: Facebook Marketplace, StudentVIP.
- Offer services: Babysitting, dog walking, house cleaning.
- Start a side hustle: Instagram thrift shop, sell crafts on Etsy.
- Cashback apps: Use ShopBack, Cashrewards to save money when you shop.
Final Tips: Best Paying Student Jobs in Australia
So, which one’s best for you?
👉 If you love people & tips hospitality is king.
👉 Want steady pay & perks retail is solid.
👉 Good at a subject? Tutoring is unbeatable for easy high pay.
👉 Want total freedom? Delivery apps or freelancing win.
And remember: you’re not stuck forever student jobs help you pay bills and build skills for your future career.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t overthink it. Update your CV today. Apply for 5–10 roles this week. Talk to classmates. Walk into cafes. The money is out there and so are the good times.
Work smart, study smart, and enjoy every moment.
👉 For more real, practical job tips, stick with LegitJobs.co.za your no-BS guide to making money the honest way.
