Top 12 Part-Time Jobs for Students in Australia After High School
The latest research shows that Australia’s school retention rate has increased significantly to 84 per cent, and more students are staying in and finishing high school than ever before.
Are you part of this group? Have you recently graduated from high school in Australia? If so, what are your plans? Do you want to work part-time? Are you having a hard time finding a part-time job that suits your earning needs, skills, and interests?
Working part-time is a great way to develop a strong work ethic and gain skills for the future. Finding a good job can be challenging, though.
Fortunately, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, including the benefits of working part-time, the top 12 part-time jobs for students in Australia after graduating, where to find these jobs, and special considerations for international students.
8 Benefits of Working Part-Time After High School
Australia is a big country with a relatively high cost of living (11.88 per cent higher than the United States, for example). The rate of part-time employment has also increased in this country, going from 23,000 people in December of 2021 to over 30,000 in February of 2022.
Even though Australia is an expensive place to live, lots of people in Australia work part-time right now. Here are 8 of the top reasons why you might want to do the same, especially if you’re a university student or someone who recently graduated from high school:
1. Make Time to Study
Are you a recent high school graduate who will be entering university soon? Perhaps you’re already attending university. Either way, you need to give yourself plenty of time to study. Working part-time allows you to bring in extra income while still having time left over to attend classes, do homework, and enjoy a social life.
2. Earn Extra Cash
Speaking of bringing in extra income, you can earn a decent living working part-time after high school. You might not earn as much as your peers who work full-time, of course, but you’ll still be able to put away money and save for the future, or you can use your wages to cover your everyday expenses like food, gas, phone bills, car repayments, etc.
3. Improve Organisational Skills
As you transition into post-high school life, you’ll quickly learn the importance of good organisational skills.
Working a part-time job, especially a part-time admin job, is a great way to improve your ability to manage your time, juggle a busy schedule, and keep track of important documents and pieces of information. These skills will prove to be very valuable when you start university or eventually move into a full-time job.
4. Improve Social Skills
Working a part-time job helps you to expand your social skills and ability to collaborate with others.
It doesn’t matter if you’re attending university, working a full-time career, or anything in between. In any case, you’ll need to be able to work with other people, including those who may be described as “difficult.”
Many part-time jobs, including those in retail, food service, and administrative roles are particularly beneficial if you need help developing these skills.
5. Improve Money Management Skills
When those in Australia work part-time, even if they have one of the highest-paying part-time jobs for students in Australia, they’ll still need to get good at sticking to a budget and keeping track of their funds.
These skills will carry over very well as you get older and start picking up more responsibilities, so it’s better to start developing them now instead of waiting until you’re already in a financial bind.
6. Build Up Your Resume
The sooner you start gaining work experience and building a resume, the better off you’ll be.
Having a robust resume with work experience and special skills will make it easier for you to get other, higher-paying jobs in the future. Many universities also look favorably on those who have previous work experience, too.
7. Get a Foot in the Door
If you’re hoping to begin a career but don’t have a lot of (or any) work experience, getting started with a part-time job is a great option.
Working part-time allows you to get a foot in the door and start learning the ropes of a particular position. You’ll be able to start building relationships with other employees at the company (including those doing the job you want to do one day), too.
8. Build Your Professional Network
Speaking of building relationships, working part-time also creates an opportunity for you to start building your professional network.
Networking is essential to anyone who wants to get ahead in 2022 and beyond. If you have relationships with other professionals in your desired field, you’ll find out about openings sooner and will have an easier time figuring out what you need to do to qualify for a particular job.
Top 12 Part-Time Jobs for Students in Australia After High School
If you’re ready to start looking for part-time jobs for students in Australia, there are several great options to consider. The list below breaks down some of the highest-paying part-time jobs for students in Australia, as well as others that provide valuable transferrable skills you can take with you to other jobs.
When you were in high school, did you do very well in a specific subject like writing or geometry? If so, tutoring is a great part-time job to consider.
Working as a tutor allows you to take those skills you’ve developed and help others who are struggling to improve and earn better grades. Tutoring jobs are also very flexible and typically allow you to set your own schedule and rates, too. – $32.23 per hour
Another flexible part-time job for recent graduates is a job as a rideshare driver for a company like Uber.
As an Uber driver, you will pick people up when they request a ride in the Uber app, then take them to their destination. This job lets you set your own schedule and work when you want to work, so it’s great for students or those who have other responsibilities they need to work around. – $27.39 per hour
If you’re looking for something similar to a job as an Uber driver, working as a delivery driver is a good alternative.
You may be a delivery driver for a particular restaurant, or you may work for a company like Uber eats and pick up delivery orders from a wide range of restaurants. The second option is more flexible, but the former may provide more consistent work and wages. – $28.00 per hour
Waiters and waitresses are employed by a wide range of restaurants (from fast-casual to fine dining establishments). As a waiter or waitress, you’re responsible for taking orders, bringing customers their food, and going above and beyond to make sure they have a good experience dining at a particular restaurant. – $26.67 per hour
An administrative assistant is an excellent part-time job for those who want to earn an above-average part-time job salary in Australia while also gaining valuable organizational and time management skills.
Administrative assistants work for a variety of businesses (some even work from home) and handle scheduling, directing customers’ calls, responding to emails and letters, and organizing files. – $34.67 per hour
Do you love children? Do you want to develop your childcare skills as you prepare for a job as a preschool teacher or elementary school teacher? If so, a part-time job as a babysitter or nanny could be a good starting point.
Many babysitters and nannies are able to set their own hours and rates, too, so this job provides a lot of flexibility. – $25.00 per hour
A job as a custodian is a great part-time job for recent graduates and students.
Custodians are responsible for keeping facilities clean and sanitized at all times. They may work in a school, healthcare clinics, or any other type of business.
This is a very active job and it requires a lot of hard work, but it also is a good option for those who like to stay busy and work with their hands. – $26.23 per hour
Another active job that allows you to stay on your feet day after day is a part-time job as a mail carrier.
Mail carriers are responsible for sorting mail and distributing it to the proper recipient in a timely manner. This job pays well and allows you to get lots of exercise in as you deliver mail, so it’s a win-win for recent graduates who want to work while studying in Australia but aren’t interested in sitting behind a desk for hours at a time. – $25.71 per hour
Retail sales associates work in retail shops (clothing shops, food shops, specialty equipment shops, etc.). They carry out a range of tasks related to providing customers with a good experience, from arranging displays and answering questions to making recommendations and ringing people up when they’ve completed their purchases.
This job helps lets you earn a part-time job salary in Australia while also improving your communication skills, collaboration skills, and time management skills. – $27.64 per hour
Bartenders work in pubs, bars, and restaurants. They mix and serve drinks for customers according to their exact specifications and keep track of people’s tabs to ensure they get charged the proper amount at the end of the night.
This is a fast-paced job, but it pays well, even for part-time bartenders. It also provides a lot of opportunities to talk to others and develop your social skills. – $28.61 per hour
As a barista, your job is to prepare coffees, teas, and other drinks and serve them to customers as quickly as possible. You also will be responsible for keeping the coffee shop or cafe clean and organised at all times.
If you love coffee or tea and want to work in a fast-paced environment, a part-time job as a barista is a good choice to consider as a recent graduate. You’ll learn to prepare all kinds of beverages while also improving your time management skills, social skills, and more. – $27.70 per hour
Customer service representatives typically spend a lot of time on the phone or on the computer answering emails. They answer questions, address customer complaints, and help people find solutions to their problems.
You may work in a call center if you have this particular part-time job, or you may even find a remote job that allows you to work from home. – $19.35 per hour
How to Find Part-Time Jobs as a Student in Australia
These days, it’s easier than ever to learn about openings for part-time jobs for students in Australia. The following are 6 of the best options to consider if you need help finding opportunities in Australia to work part-time:
Online Job Sites
An online job site like GrabJobs is a great place to go if you need help finding part-time jobs for students in Australia. GrabJobs is an easy-to-use tool that lets you search for jobs based on job type, salary, education requirements, and more. It’s also free, so it’s no wonder millions of people from all over the world rely on it!
Social Media Groups
Consider joining some groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit, too. There are lots of groups dedicated to job seekers in a particular location, and they’re regularly updated with new listings, application information, reviews of various employers, and more. Join some today so you can stay in the loop.
Recruitment Agencies
Working with a recruitment agency is a good choice, especially if you’re looking for a very specific type of job or have a unique set of skills that you want to utilize. Recruitment agencies will connect you with companies that are looking to hire new employees and can even help you prepare for the interview process.
Referrals
You can also ask friends or family members if they know of any companies that are hiring part-time workers. Maybe their employer is looking to bring on some new talent, or perhaps they know somebody who knows somebody who’s hiring. You’ll never know unless you ask for a referral, so don’t be shy.
Classified Ads
Don’t underestimate traditional classified ads in the newspaper or online, either. These ads get updated regularly (at least once per day), and they can help you learn about opportunities that might not have been on your radar otherwise. Check them out if you haven’t had any luck yet finding part-time jobs that work with your skills, preferences, and schedule.
Information About Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Australia
If you’re an international student, it’s still possible for you to work while studying in Australia. There are some specific rules and requirements you’ll need to remember, though, before you pick up casual jobs for high school students or university students.
If you’re looking for part-time jobs in Australia for international students, here are some key pieces of advice to keep in mind.
Check Your Visa
In most cases, a student visa allows international students to work up to 40 hours every two weeks (or 20 hours per week) during a semester. During semester breaks, you are free to work an unlimited number of hours, too.
Doublecheck your specific visa before you start applying for and accepting jobs, though, to ensure you don’t violate any rules that could jeopardize your status.
Plan for Taxes
If you haven’t already, set up an Australian bank account. This is where your employer, in most cases, will deposit your wages. You should apply for a Tax File Number or TFN, too, so that you are taxed at the appropriate rate by the Australian Taxation Office after you start earning a part-time job salary in Australia for international students.
Consult Your Advisor
Always consult your advisor or another representative from your school for more specific information regarding earning a part-time job salary in Australia for international students. They will have the most up-to-date advice about what is or isn’t allowed, so it’s always better to check with them before moving forward with a particular job.
Key Takeaways
If you want to earn extra money, develop valuable skills, and increase your hiring potential, looking for part-time jobs for students in Australia is a great first step. Follow the guidelines listed above (including those specifically geared toward part-time jobs in Australia for international students) so you can find a great job in no time.
If you’re ready to begin your search for casual jobs for high school students or recent graduates, be sure to start with GrabJobs’ free tool today. We help you search for jobs based on a variety of criteria and also provide lots of resources to help you write a great resume, prepare for job interviews, and more.
