After School Jobs Australia 2025 – Complete Guide

 

 

 

After school, jobs provide high school students with their first taste of employment, teaching responsibility, time management, and financial independence. This comprehensive guide covers the best after-school jobs for Australian high school students, age requirements, pay rates, how to balance work with school, and tips for landing your first job.

 

 

Quick Overview: After School Jobs Australia

Best After-School Jobs: Fast food, retail, tutoring, babysitting, hospitality

Minimum Age: 14-15 years (varies by employer and state)

Pay: $12-25/hour (depending on age, with casual loading)

Typical Hours: 3-15 hours per week during school term

Best Days: Weekday afternoons (3-6 PM), weekends

Key Requirement: Parental consent (under 18), work permit (some states)

 

Age Requirements by State

Minimum Working Age

Most States: 13-14 years with restrictions

General Rule: Must have completed Year 10 or turned 15 (whichever comes first) for most jobs

 

State-Specific Requirements

New South Wales:

• Minimum age: 13 years
• Under 15: Restricted hours and types of work
• No work permit required

Victoria:

• Minimum age: 13 years
• Under 15: Restricted to light work
• No work permit required

Queensland:

• Minimum age: 13 years
• Under 16: May need work permit for certain jobs
• Check Business Queensland website

South Australia:

• Minimum age: 15 years (general employment)
• 13-14: Very restricted work only
• No work permit required

Western Australia:

• Minimum age: 13 years
• Under 15: Restricted hours
• No work permit required

Tasmania:

• Minimum age: 16 years (most employment)
• 13-15: Very restricted work only

ACT:

• Minimum age: 14 years
• Restricted hours for under 15

Northern Territory:

• Minimum age: 15 years (general employment)
• 13-14: Very restricted work only

 

Parental Consent

Under 18:

• Most employers require parental consent
• Parent/guardian must sign employment forms
• Some employers require parent at interview

 

Best After School Jobs for High School Students

 

1. Fast Food (McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway)

Minimum Age: 14-15 years (varies by franchise)

Positions:

• Crew member
• Cashier
• Kitchen staff
• Drive-thru operator

Pay by Age:

• 14 years: $12-14/hour
• 15 years: $13-16/hour
• 16 years: $15-19/hour
• 17 years: $17-22/hour
• 18+ years: $21-26/hour

After School Hours: 3-10 PM weekdays, weekends

Weekly Earnings (15-year-old, 10 hours/week):

• $15/hour × 10 hours = $150/week ($7,800/year)

 

Why Excellent First Job:

✅ Actively hire young teenagers

✅ Very flexible scheduling

✅ Quick, comprehensive training

✅ Work with other students

✅ Meal benefits (free/discounted food)

✅ Career progression available

✅ Teaches valuable work skills

 

Challenges:

❌ Fast-paced, can be stressful

❌ Late nights (finish 9-11 PM)

❌ Dealing with difficult customers

❌ Physically tiring

 

 

How to Apply:

• Online at company website (mcdonalds.com.au/careers)
• Visit restaurant and ask for manager
• Bring parent if under 18
• Emphasize availability and enthusiasm

 

2. Supermarket (Woolworths, Coles)

 

Minimum Age: 15 years

Positions:

• Cashier
• Service desk
• Shelf stacker
• Online shopping picker

Pay by Age:

• 15 years: $14-17/hour
• 16 years: $16-20/hour
• 17 years: $18-23/hour
• 18+ years: $23-27/hour

 

After School Hours: 3-9 PM weekdays, weekends

Weekly Earnings (16-year-old, 12 hours/week):

• 6 hours weekday: $18/hour = $108
• 6 hours weekend: $27/hour = $162
• Total: $270/week ($14,000/year)

 

Why Excellent for Students:

✅ Consistent shifts available

✅ Many locations

✅ Staff discount (5%)

✅ Professional environment

✅ Clear career pathway

✅ Flexible around school

 

Challenges:

❌ Weekend work essential

❌ Standing for long periods

❌ Can be repetitive

❌ Busy periods stressful

 

How to Apply:

• Online at company careers page
• Visit store (weekday 2-4 PM)
• Bring resume and parent consent form
• Emphasize reliability and availability

 

3. Retail (Kmart, Target, Big W)

Minimum Age: 15-16 years

Positions:

• Sales assistant
• Cashier
• Fitting room attendant

Pay by Age:

• 15 years: $13-16/hour
• 16 years: $15-19/hour
• 17 years: $17-22/hour
• 18+ years: $22-26/hour

 

After School Hours: 3-9 PM weekdays, weekends

Weekly Earnings (16-year-old, 10 hours/week):

• $17/hour × 10 hours = $170/week ($8,800/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Interesting products

✅ Good staff discount (10-15%)

✅ Social environment

✅ Less demanding than fast food

✅ Fashion/retail experience

How to Apply:

• Online at company website
• Visit store in person
• Emphasize interest in products and customer service

 

4. Tutoring (Younger Students)

Minimum Age: 14+ years (if academically strong)

Subjects:

• Primary school subjects
• Junior high school subjects
• Music, languages

Pay: $20-40/hour

After School Hours: 3:30-6 PM weekdays

Weekly Earnings (5 hours/week at $25/hour):

• $25/hour × 5 hours = $125/week ($6,500/year)

 

Why Excellent for Students:

✅ Highest pay per hour

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Reinforces your own knowledge

✅ Rewarding work

✅ Can work from home

✅ Build teaching skills

✅ Great for resume

 

Challenges:

❌ Finding clients initially

❌ Inconsistent hours

❌ Preparation time unpaid

❌ Need strong academic performance

How to Start:

• Advertise on community boards
• Tell teachers and parents
• Register with tutoring centers
• Create profile on tutoring websites
• Start with family friends

 

5. Babysitting

Minimum Age: 14+ years (with babysitting course recommended)

Pay: $15-25/hour

After School Hours: 3-9 PM weekdays, weekends

Weekly Earnings (8 hours/week at $18/hour):

• $18/hour × 8 hours = $144/week ($7,500/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Good pay

✅ Can do homework while kids sleep

✅ Build responsibility

✅ Work in comfortable environment

 

Challenges:

❌ Finding regular clients

❌ Inconsistent hours

❌ Responsibility for children’s safety

❌ May need transportation

 

How to Start:

• Complete babysitting course (Red Cross, St John Ambulance)
• Tell family, friends, neighbors
• Register on Care.com.au
• Create flyers for local area
• Get references from parents

 

6. Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants)

 

Minimum Age: 15-16 years (varies by venue)

Positions:

• Waiter/waitress
• Kitchen hand
• Food runner
• Dishwasher

Pay by Age:

• 15 years: $14-18/hour
• 16 years: $16-21/hour
• 17 years: $19-24/hour
• 18+ years: $23-30/hour

After School Hours: 4-10 PM weekdays, weekends

Weekly Earnings (16-year-old, 10 hours/week):

• $19/hour × 10 hours = $190/week ($9,900/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Good pay with penalty rates

✅ Tips supplement income

✅ Social environment

✅ Meal benefits

✅ Flexible scheduling

 

Challenges:

❌ Late nights

❌ Physically demanding

❌ Dealing with difficult customers

❌ May need RSA (18+) for some roles

Requirements:

• Food handling certificate
• RSA certificate (18+ for bar work)

How to Apply:

• Walk into cafes/restaurants (weekday 2-4 PM)
• Bring resume
• Ask if hiring junior staff
• Emphasize availability and enthusiasm

 

7. Newspaper/Flyer Delivery

 

Minimum Age: 13+ years

Pay: $10-20/hour (varies by route and speed)

Hours: Early morning (5-7 AM) or afternoon

Weekly Earnings:

• 5-10 hours/week = $50-150/week

 

Why Good for Young Students:

✅ Very young age accepted (13+)

✅ Independent work

✅ Exercise

✅ Flexible timing

✅ No customer interaction

 

Challenges:

❌ Early mornings

❌ Weather exposure

❌ Physical work

❌ Lower pay

❌ Need transportation (bike)

How to Start:

• Contact local newspapers
• Check Gumtree, local classifieds
• Ask neighbors who deliver

 

8. Retail Stockroom/Night Fill

Minimum Age: 15-16 years

Positions:

• Stock replenishment
• Stockroom assistant
• Night fill (older students)

Pay by Age:

• 16 years: $16-20/hour
• 17 years: $18-23/hour
• 18+ years: $23-27/hour

After School Hours: 4-10 PM weekdays

Weekly Earnings (17-year-old, 8 hours/week):

• $21/hour × 8 hours = $168/week ($8,700/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Less customer interaction

✅ Physical activity

✅ Straightforward tasks

✅ Can listen to music (some stores)

 

Challenges:

❌ Physically demanding

❌ Repetitive work

❌ Late nights

 

9. Lawn Mowing/Gardening

 

Minimum Age: 14+ years

Pay: $15-30/hour (self-employed)

Hours: Weekends, after school

Weekly Earnings:

• 5-10 hours/week = $75-250/week

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Self-employed flexibility

✅ Good pay

✅ Exercise

✅ Work independently

✅ Build business skills

 

Challenges:

❌ Need equipment (mower, tools)

❌ Finding clients

❌ Weather dependent

❌ Physically demanding

How to Start:

• Advertise in local area
• Create flyers
• Tell neighbors
• Start with family/friends
• Build reputation through referrals

 

10. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

Minimum Age: 14+ years

Pay: $15-30/hour

Hours: After school, weekends

Weekly Earnings:

• 5-10 hours/week = $75-250/week

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Work with animals

✅ Good pay

✅ Can do homework while pet sitting

✅ Build responsibility

 

Challenges:

❌ Finding clients

❌ Inconsistent hours

❌ Responsibility for animals

❌ May need transportation

 

How to Start:

• Register on Mad Paws, PetCloud
• Tell neighbors and friends
• Create flyers
• Get references from pet owners

 

Pay Rates by Age (Casual with Loading)

Retail/Fast Food Award Rates

14 years old:

• Base: $10/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $12.50/hour

15 years old:

• Base: $11.50/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $14.40/hour

16 years old:

• Base: $13.50/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $16.90/hour

17 years old:

• Base: $16/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $20/hour

18 years old:

• Base: $19/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $23.75/hour

19 years old:

• Base: $20/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $25/hour

20 years old:

• Base: $21/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $26.25/hour

21+ years (adult rate):

• Base: $22/hour
• With 25% casual loading: $27.50/hour

 

Penalty Rates (On Top of Base Rate)

Saturday: Time and a half (1.5x) Sunday: Double time (2x) Public Holidays: Double time and a half (2.5x)

Example (16-year-old):

• Weekday: $16.90/hour
• Saturday: $25.35/hour
• Sunday: $33.80/hour

 

How to Balance After School Work with School

Recommended Work Hours

Year 10:

• Maximum: 8-12 hours/week during term
• Can work more during holidays

Year 11:

• Maximum: 10-15 hours/week during term
• Reduce during assessment periods

Year 12:

• Maximum: 8-12 hours/week during term
• Reduce significantly during exam periods
• Consider taking leave for final exams

 

Time Management Strategies

1. Prioritize School

• School always comes first
• Work fits around school, not vice versa
• Reduce work hours if grades suffering

2. Create Weekly Schedule

• Block out school hours
• Block out homework time (2-3 hours/day)
• Block out work shifts
• Identify free time

3. Use Time Efficiently

• Do homework between classes
• Use study periods effectively
• Minimize social media
• Stay organized

4. Communicate with Employer

• Provide school schedule
• Request reduced hours during exams
• Be upfront about school commitments

5. Plan Ahead

• Know assessment due dates
• Request time off for major exams/assignments
• Work more during light school weeks

6. Get Enough Sleep

• 8-9 hours per night for teenagers
• Don’t sacrifice sleep for work
• Health and school performance suffer without sleep

 

Red Flags You’re Working Too Much

 

❌ Falling behind in schoolwork

❌ Missing assignments

❌ Grades declining

❌ Constant tiredness

❌ Missing school due to work

❌ High stress and anxiety

❌ No time for homework

Solution: Reduce work hours immediately or take break from work.

 

How to Get Your First After School Job

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Check:

• Minimum age for desired job
• State working age requirements
• Need for work permit
• Parental consent requirements

 

Step 2: Prepare Resume

Even with No Experience, Include:

• Contact information
• Personal statement (2-3 sentences)
• Education (school, year level, subjects)
• Skills (reliable, friendly, quick learner, teamwork)
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteer work
• Availability
• References (teachers, family friends)

 

Example Personal Statement: “I’m a reliable and enthusiastic Year 10 student seeking my first job to develop work skills and earn money. I’m a quick learner, friendly, and committed to doing my best.”

 

Step 3: Get Parental Consent

Prepare:

• Discuss work plans with parents
• Get agreement on hours and schedule
• Have parent ready to sign forms
• Some employers want parent at interview

 

Step 4: Apply Widely

Strategy:

• Apply to 15-20 positions
• Mix of job types
• Various locations
• Don’t be discouraged by rejections

Where to Apply:

• Fast food restaurants (easiest for first job)
• Supermarkets
• Retail stores
• Local cafes
• Tutoring centers

 

Step 5: Prepare for Interview

Common Questions:

“Tell me about yourself.” Brief background, why you want job, your strengths.

“Why do you want to work here?” Show genuine interest, mention learning and responsibility.

“What’s your availability?” Be as flexible as possible, especially weekends.

“You have no experience – why should we hire you?” Emphasize enthusiasm, willingness to learn, reliability, good attitude.

“How will you balance work and school?” Explain time management, school comes first, organized schedule.

“Do you have any questions?” Ask about training, typical shifts, what makes good employee.

 

Step 6: Ace the Interview

Presentation:

• Dress neatly (business casual)
• Arrive 10 minutes early with parent (if required)
• Bring extra resume copy
• Smile, make eye contact, be enthusiastic

During Interview:

• Be positive and enthusiastic
• Show eagerness to learn
• Emphasize reliability
• Thank interviewer

After Interview:

• Send thank-you email (or parent can)
• Reiterate interest
• Follow up after one week if no response

 

Benefits of After School Jobs for Teenagers

Financial Benefits

Earn Money:

• $100-300+/week
• $5,000-15,000/year
• Save for car, phone, clothes, university
• Financial independence

Learn Money Management:

• Budgeting
• Saving
• Understanding value of money
• Financial responsibility

Skill Development

Work Skills:

• Customer service
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Responsibility
• Following instructions

Life Skills:

• Punctuality
• Reliability
• Professional behavior
• Dealing with authority
• Handling criticism
• Conflict resolution

 

Resume Building

Experience:

• First job on resume
• References for future jobs
• Demonstrated work ethic
• Transferable skills

 

Career Exploration

Discover:

• What you enjoy
• What you’re good at
• What you don’t like
• Career interests

 

Personal Growth

Develop:

• Confidence
• Independence
• Maturity
• Work ethic
• Self-discipline

 

Social Benefits

Meet:

• Diverse people
• Work friends
• Mentors
• Networking connections

 

Parent Guide: Supporting Your Teen’s First Job

Before They Start

Discuss:

• Appropriate work hours (don’t interfere with school)
• Transportation arrangements
• Money management (saving vs spending)
• School remains priority

Help With:

• Resume preparation
• Job search
• Application process
• Interview preparation

 

During Employment

Support:

• Provide transportation if needed
• Help balance work and school
• Monitor grades and wellbeing
• Encourage but don’t pressure

Set Boundaries:

• Maximum work hours during term
• Reduced hours during exams
• School comes first always

Teach:

• Money management
• Saving habits
• Tax obligations
• Superannuation basics

 

Red Flags to Watch

❌ Grades declining

❌ Constant exhaustion

❌ Missing school

❌ High stress

❌ Employer asking too much (excessive hours, unsafe conditions)

❌ Not being paid correctly

Action: Discuss with teen, contact employer if needed, reduce hours or quit if necessary.

 

Common Questions About After School Jobs

What’s the minimum age to work in Australia?

Varies by state (13-16 years) and job type. Most mainstream employers (McDonald’s, Woolworths, Coles) hire from 14-15 years old. Check your state’s requirements.

Do I need a work permit?

Most states don’t require work permits. Queensland may require for certain jobs under 16. Check your state’s requirements.

How many hours can students work?

No legal maximum during school holidays. During term, recommended maximum is 12-15 hours/week to avoid impacting studies. Some states have restrictions for under-15s.

Do I need parental consent?

Yes, most employers require parental consent if you’re under 18. Parent may need to sign employment forms and attend interview.

How much will I get paid?

Depends on age. 14-year-olds earn $12-14/hour, 15-year-olds $14-16/hour, 16-year-olds $16-20/hour, 17-year-olds $20-23/hour, 18+ earn adult rates $23-27/hour (casual with loading).

Can I work during school hours?

No, you cannot work during compulsory school hours. Work must be outside school time (after 3 PM, weekends, holidays).

What if work affects my grades?

Reduce work hours immediately or take break from work. School is priority – your education is more important than part-time income.

Do I pay tax?

You need a Tax File Number. If you earn under $18,200/year (most students do), you pay no tax and get refund of any tax withheld. Lodge annual tax return.

 

Conclusion

After school jobs provide Australian high school students with valuable first work experience, financial independence, and important life skills. The best after school jobs for teenagers (fast food, retail, tutoring, babysitting) offer flexible scheduling, reasonable pay ($12-25/hour depending on age), and accommodation of school commitments.

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Best first jobs: Fast food, supermarkets, retail (actively hire young teens)

✅ Minimum age: 14-15 years for most jobs

✅ Pay: $12-25/hour depending on age

✅ Recommended hours: 8-15 hours/week during term

✅ Priority: School always comes first

✅ Benefits: Money, skills, experience, confidence

✅ Parental support: Essential for success

 

Success Factors:

1.Start with fast food or retail (easiest first jobs)

2.Work reasonable hours (don’t overcommit)

3.Prioritize school over work

4.Be reliable and enthusiastic

5.Learn and develop skills

6.Save money wisely

7.Get parental support

 

 

Your first job is an important milestone teaching responsibility, time management, and work ethic that will benefit you throughout life. Choose wisely, work reasonable hours, prioritize school, and enjoy the experience and independence that comes with earning your own money.

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Related Articles:

• Best Jobs for Teenagers Australia
• Part-Time Jobs for Students
• Weekend Jobs for Students
• First Job Resume Australia
• High School Student Resume Australia
• How to Balance Work and School