Job expectations
What kind of job can you get in Australia?
In the table below you can find the average wages for the most students jobs in Australia. Please note, the wages can differ according to:
- the place you live or work
- the season (high or low)
- your experience
| Type of Job |
Average wage/hour |
Possible extra pay to wage (penalty rates) |
Required level of English |
| Job in supermarket (checker, supply of goods) |
$15 - 20 |
evenings, weekends |
Intermediate |
| Kitchen hand (doing the dishes and helping with food preparation) |
$10 - 15 |
evenings, weekends |
Pre-intermediate |
| Cooker |
$12 - 25 |
evenings, weekends |
Intermediate |
| Cleaner |
$12 - 20 |
evenings, weekends |
Pre-Intermediate |
| Waiter/waitress, bar attendant |
$12 - 20 |
evenings, weekends + tips |
Intermediate |
| Warehouse work |
$14 - 20 |
evenings, weekends |
Pre-Intermediate |
| Distribution of leaflets/news |
$10 - 15 |
weekends |
Pre-Intermediate |
| Pizza/food delivery |
$12 - 15 |
evenings, weekends |
Intermediate |
| Au pair |
$10 - 15 |
evenings, weekends, public holidays |
Intermediate |
| Nurse or child care assistant |
$17 - 20 |
evenings, weekends, public holidays |
Intermediate |
| Labour or gardner |
$12 - 20 |
evenings, weekends |
Pre-Intermediate |
| Work in travel agency – sales |
$12 - 25 |
commission related to sold tours |
Advanced |
| Promotion |
various |
evenings, weekends |
Advanced |
| Clerk positions |
$15 - 25 |
public holidays |
Advanced |
| Swim or tennis coach; lifeguard |
$15 - 40 |
public holidays |
Upper Intermediate |
| IT |
$17 - 50 |
public holidays, possible work using business licence ABN |
Upper Intermediate |
| Specialized jobs |
$20 - 50 |
(public) holidays |
Advanced |