The 10 Highest-paying Jobs for Students in Australia

The highest-paying jobs for students in Australia are unskilled jobs, but don’t let that discourage you! With what you earn per week, you can cover some expenses and treat yourself occasionally.

The reason is that this country has one of the highest minimum wages in the world: this 2024, the wage in Australia is 23.23 AUD per hour, so you can’t earn less than that. Although, generally, the wage you are paid is higher.

What jobs pay more than minimum wage? What are the requirements to get those jobs for students in Australia? We answer all questions about working in Australia in this article. Scroll down and discover all the information we have prepared for you!

*Disclaimer: the amounts in this article are just for reference and are expressed in Australian dollars (AUD).

The 10 highest-paying jobs for students in Australia

Australia is one of the few destinations in the world where you can study and work at the same time! This is a great benefit, as you not only earn money to cover your expenses, but also gain valuable work experience in another country.

It’s true that a student’s salary doesn’t compare with that of a professional, but it’s still very attractive. And you should consider that the experience you gain helps you grow in the job market later on.

That said, here are some of the highest-paying jobs for students in Australia that you can look for:

1. Waiter or waitress

This is one of the most popular jobs for students in Australia for 2 reasons. First, this job is well paid! In some cafes and restaurants, you get paid 29.34 AUD* per hour; to that amount, you can add the tips you earn in the day.

Second, you don’t need too much experience to be a waiter. The most important thing is that you speak English somewhat fluently, have a vocation for interacting with the public, and know how to work well in a team.

2. Barista

In Australia, there are as many cafes as there are kangaroos! For example, Melbourne is considered the coffee capital of the world.

That’s why finding a part-time job in Melbourne as a barista is very competitive, but the salaries are indeed attractive: 28.90 AUD* per hour on average.

To work as a barista, you need to speak English somewhat fluently and you may be required to have previous experience. If you don’t have it, don’t be discouraged, because you can take a barista course in Australia and look for work later.

3. Bartender

One more option to add to the list of jobs for students in Australia is bartender. Keep in mind that this job is demanding, as the hours are generally nocturnal. The advantage is that the salary is 30.24 AUD* per hour!

As in the previous cases, you need some fluency in English, an RSA license, and a vocation for working with the public. Having previous experience gives you extra points, although if that’s not the case, there are bars where they train you before you start.

4. Remover

Doing moves is another possibility among all these jobs for students in Australia. In any city within the country, you can work moving furniture and appliances from one place to another, and they pay you up to 35 AUD* per hour for it. Not bad, right?

A job like this requires you to be in very good physical condition, strength, and, in some cases, a valid driver’s license. The good news is that basic English is enough to find a job.

5. Babysitter

Taking care of children is one of the most popular and in-demand highest-paying jobs for students in Australia. The reason is that many Australians are looking for people who speak other languages so their children can benefit from cultural exchange.

To be a babysitter, you must have a vocation for childcare, speak English somewhat fluently, and apply for a license. Keep in mind that the schedules and tasks are set by each family, and you can earn around 33.58 AUD* per hour.

6. Delivery person

Being a delivery person is another possibility among the good jobs for students in Australia, as the hours are very flexible and the pay is good: 30.84 AUD* per hour. You can look for work in supermarkets or restaurants, or work with companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Menulog.

Unless you make deliveries by bicycle, you need to have a valid driver’s license and, of course, your vehicle; for example, a motorcycle or an electric scooter. As for English, don’t worry, because a basic/intermediate level is sufficient.

7. Cleaning staff

Cleaning services are among the highest-paying jobs for students in Australia because the salary is 30.01 AUD* per hour! You can find employment in hotels, cafes, restaurants, or offices, or work in the homes of Australian residents.

This job suits you if you don’t speak English very well and if you have little or no work experience. Another benefit is that the hours are flexible, allowing you to work and earn money without neglecting your studies.

8. Salesperson

Jobs in the sales sector are highly sought after by students because the salaries are high; on average, a salesperson earns up to 28 AUD* per hour! And let’s not forget that, thanks to these jobs, you improve your English a lot.

To work as a salesperson, you may not need previous work experience. What matters most is that you have a good attitude and qualities that make you stand out, such as persuasion, customer service skills, and charisma.

9. Tutor

If you are an expert in a subject, give private lessons to other students! As a tutor, you can set your own schedule and the price of your services. Just to give you an idea, a tutoring session costs around 35.18 AUD* per hour.

Needless to say, you must be a true expert in the topics you want to teach. Also, you must speak English quite fluently so that your students understand everything you tell them during the class.

10. Personal trainer

Are you very fitness-oriented? Then, offer your services as a personal trainer! This is one of the best jobs for students in Australia, as you are allowed to set your work hours. You can charge up to 42.32 AUD* per hour depending on your experience.

If you’re looking for a job as an instructor in a gym, you may need to be certified to teach your classes. Now, if you work as an independent trainer, it’s not necessary, but it would give you much more credibility with your clients.

*These amounts are for reference and subject to change.

Highest paying professions in Australia

If you finish your studies and want to start a career in Australia, apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and extend your stay!

This way, you can look for qualified jobs, earn more than the minimum wage, and add valuable experience to your resume.
These are some of the highest-paying professions in Australia:

• Computer Systems Architects: 104 AUD* per hour.
• Chefs: 39 AUD* per hour.
• Nurses: 31.17 AUD* per hour.
• Project Managers: 112 AUD* per hour.
• Civil Engineers: 55.72 AUD* per hour.

*These amounts are for reference and subject to change.

Requirements to work in Australia as an international student

If you want to study and work in Australia legally, there are several requirements you must meet.

In the following sections, we explain them so that you can get good jobs as soon as you arrive in the country. Take note!

Apply for a valid visa to study and work

2 visas allow you to study and get a part-time job in Australia.

One is the student visa (subclass 500). This visa is valid until you finish your course and it allows you to work in Australia up to 24 hours per week during the academic period, and full-time during holidays.

The other is the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). With this visa, you can live in Australia legally for 1 year, and during that time, you have permission to work without hourly limits and to take courses that last no more than 3 months.

Update your resume according to Australian standards.

If you are eager to get some of the abovementioned jobs for students in Australia as soon as you arrive, it is recommended that you already have your resume updated according to Australian standards and in English. Some aspects to consider are that a 1-page extension is normal.

Also, you don’t need to add a photo unless the employer asks for it! As for personal data, include only the most relevant ones: your full name, your address, your phone number, and your email.

When you talk about your work experience, make sure it is related to the position you want to get. Organize it from the most recent to the oldest and provide details of the tasks you have performed throughout your professional career.

Apply for special work permits

Keep in mind that some of the highest-paying jobs for students in Australia require you to have a special permit or license. One of them is the Blue Card if you want to work as a babysitter or anywhere you look after minors.

If you want to work in the construction sector, you need a White Card, which certifies that you have completed training. Or, if your job requires you to handle alcoholic beverages, you must process the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

The Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit code that identifies you as a taxpayer in Australia. You can request it for free before or after getting a job in Australia; the important thing is that you have it or, otherwise, you must pay higher taxes!

Also, this requirement is necessary to enjoy many benefits provided by the government: for example, financial support in case of unemployment or tax refunds. As soon as you get to Australia, make your request online!

Open a bank account and have a local phone number.

These are not essential requirements to get one of those jobs for students in Australia.

However, you need a bank account to receive your salary and a local phone number for employers to contact you after you apply, right?

That’s why, as part of our destination experience, our Experience Leaders help you open a bank account. They also give you a SIM card so that you can stay connected as soon as you get to Australia.

Our goal is to make your trip to Australia easy, fun, and unforgettable!

Study and work in Australia with GrowPro!

As you can see, jobs for students in Australia are well-paid, and this allows you to save money, cover some expenses, and of course, gain professional experience.

If you are interested in studying and working, choose one of our experiences in Australia now. You can choose from English, tourism, sports, and technology courses. All of them allow you to get a part-time job so that you can make the most of your trip.

Once you know which course you want to take, fill out a form. That way, one of our Student Advisors will contact you and provide more information and advice for free.

Don’t wait any longer, future grower! Take a course that will help you get one of the best-paying jobs for students in Australia.