Best Jobs for Teenagers Australia 2025: Complete Guide
Finding your first job as a teenager is a significant milestone that teaches you responsibility, time management, and financial independence. This comprehensive guide covers the best jobs for Australian teenagers aged 14-19, including pay rates, age requirements, how to get hired, and tips for balancing work with school.
Quick Overview: Best Jobs for Teenagers Australia
Best Teen Jobs: Fast food, retail, tutoring, babysitting, hospitality, and delivery
Minimum Age: 14-15 years for most jobs
Pay: $12-26/hour, depending on age (with casual loading)
Typical Hours: 5-20 hours/week during school term, more during holidays
Key Benefits: Income, work experience, life skills, resume building
Most Important: Reliability, positive attitude, willingness to learn
Top 10 Best Jobs for Teenagers
- Fast Food (McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway)
Minimum Age: 14-15 years
Why #1 Best First Job:
✅ Actively hire young teenagers (14-15 years)
✅ No experience required
✅ Comprehensive training provided
✅ Very flexible scheduling
✅ Work with other teenagers
✅ Meal benefits (free/discounted food)
✅ Always hiring
✅ Career progression available
Pay by Age:
- 14 years: $12-14/hour
- 15 years: $13-16/hour
- 16 years: $15-19/hour
- 17 years: $17-22/hour
- 18-19 years: $21-26/hour
Hours: 5-25 hours/week, flexible around school
Earnings (15-year-old, 12 hours/week):
- $15/hour × 12 hours = $180/week ($9,360/year)
What You’ll Do:
- Taking orders
- Preparing food
- Cashier duties
- Cleaning
- Customer service
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Food handling
- Cash handling
- Work ethic
How to Get:
- Apply online at company website
- Visit restaurant and ask for manager
- Emphasize availability and enthusiasm
- Bring parent if under 18
Best For: First-time job seekers, 14-16 year old, those wanting flexibility
- Supermarket (Woolworths, Coles)
Minimum Age: 15 years
Why Excellent:
✅ Consistent hours available
✅ Many locations
✅ Professional environment
✅ Staff discount (5%)
✅ Clear career pathway
✅ Respected on resume
Pay by Age:
- 15 years: $14-17/hour
- 16 years: $16-20/hour
- 17 years: $18-23/hour
- 18-19 years: $23-27/hour
Hours: 10-25 hours/week
Earnings (16-year-old, 15 hours/week):
- Weekday: 8 hours × $18/hour = $144
- Weekend: 7 hours × $27/hour = $189
- Total: $333/week ($17,300/year)
Positions:
- Cashier
- Service desk
- Shelf stacker
- Online shopping picker
- Deli/bakery assistant
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Product knowledge
- Responsibility
- Teamwork
How to Get:
- Apply online at careers page
- Visit store (weekday 2-4 PM)
- Bring resume and parent consent
- Emphasize reliability
Best For: 15-17 year old wanting stable, professional first job
- Retail (Kmart, Target, Big W, Fashion Stores)
Minimum Age: 15-16 years
Why Good:
✅ Interesting products
✅ Good staff discount (10-15%)
✅ Social environment
✅ Less demanding than fast food
✅ Fashion/retail experience
Pay by Age:
- 15 years: $13-16/hour
- 16 years: $15-19/hour
- 17 years: $17-22/hour
- 18-19 years: $22-26/hour
Hours: 8-20 hours/week
Earnings (17-year-old, 12 hours/week):
- $20/hour × 12 hours = $240/week ($12,480/year)
Positions:
- Sales assistant
- Cashier
- Fitting room attendant
- Stock replenishment
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Sales
- Customer service
- Product knowledge
- Visual merchandising
- Communication
How to Get:
- Apply online
- Visit stores in person
- Emphasize interest in products
- Highlight customer service attitude
Best For: Fashion-interested teens, those wanting relaxed environment
- Tutoring (Younger Students)
Minimum Age: 14+ years (if academically strong)
Why Excellent:
✅ Highest pay per hour ($20-40/hour)
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Rewarding work
✅ Reinforces your own knowledge
✅ Can work from home
✅ Great for resume
✅ Build teaching skills
Pay: $20-40/hour depending on subject and level
Hours: 3-10 hours/week (flexible)
Earnings (6 hours/week at $25/hour):
- $25/hour × 6 hours = $150/week ($7,800/year)
Subjects:
- Primary school subjects
- Junior high school subjects
- Music, languages, test prep
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Teaching
- Communication
- Patience
- Organization
- Subject mastery
How to Start:
- Advertise locally
- Tell teachers and parents
- Register with tutoring centers
- Create profile on tutoring websites
Best For: High-achieving students (14-19 years), those with strong subject knowledge
- Babysitting
Minimum Age: 14+ years (babysitting course recommended)
Why Good:
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Good pay ($15-25/hour)
✅ Can do homework while kids sleep
✅ Build responsibility
✅ Work in comfortable environment
✅ Choose your clients
Pay: $15-25/hour
Hours: 5-15 hours/week (flexible)
Earnings (8 hours/week at $18/hour):
- $18/hour × 8 hours = $144/week ($7,500/year)
What You’ll Do:
- Supervising children
- Preparing meals
- Playing and activities
- Bedtime routines
- Light housework
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Responsibility
- Child care
- Problem-solving
- First aid
- Communication
How to Start:
- Complete babysitting course (Red Cross)
- Tell family and neighbors
- Register on Care.com.au
- Get references
Best For: Responsible teens who like children, those wanting flexibility
- Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants)
Minimum Age: 15-16 years
Why Good:
✅ Good pay with penalty rates
✅ Tips supplement income
✅ Social environment
✅ Meal benefits
✅ Flexible scheduling
Pay by Age:
- 15 years: $14-18/hour
- 16 years: $16-21/hour
- 17 years: $19-24/hour
- 18-19 years: $23-30/hour + tips
Hours: 8-20 hours/week
Earnings (17-year-old, 12 hours/week):
- $22/hour × 12 hours = $264/week
- Plus tips: $30-80/week
- Total: $294-344/week ($15,300-17,900/year)
Positions:
- Waiter/waitress
- Kitchen hand
- Food runner
- Dishwasher
- Barista (with training)
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Customer service
- Multitasking
- Food handling
- Communication
- Working under pressure
Requirements:
- Food handling certificate
- RSA certificate (18+ for bar work)
How to Get:
- Walk into cafes (weekday 2-4 PM)
- Bring resume
- Ask if hiring junior staff
Best For: Social teens, those wanting tips, 16-19 year old
- Cinema/Entertainment Venues
Minimum Age: 15-16 years
Why Good:
✅ Fun environment
✅ Free movies (staff benefit)
✅ Social atmosphere
✅ Work with other young people
✅ Less stressful than retail
Pay by Age:
- 15 years: $13-16/hour
- 16 years: $15-19/hour
- 17 years: $17-22/hour
- 18-19 years: $22-26/hour
Hours: 8-20 hours/week (evenings and weekends)
Earnings (16-year-old, 10 hours/week):
- $17/hour × 10 hours = $170/week ($8,840/year)
Positions:
- Usher
- Candy bar attendant
- Ticket sales
- Cleaning crew
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Teamwork
- Cleaning
How to Get:
- Apply online at cinema websites
- Visit cinema and ask for manager
Best For: Movie lovers, social teens, those wanting fun environment
- Delivery (Newspaper, Flyers)
Minimum Age: 13+ years
Why Good:
✅ Very young age accepted
✅ Independent work
✅ Exercise
✅ Flexible timing
✅ No customer interaction
Pay: $10-20/hour (varies by route)
Hours: 5-10 hours/week (early morning or afternoon)
Earnings:
- $15/hour × 7 hours = $105/week ($5,460/year)
What You’ll Do:
- Delivering newspapers/flyers
- Early morning routes (5-7 AM)
- Cycling or walking
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Responsibility
- Time management
- Independence
- Physical fitness
How to Start:
- Contact local newspapers
- Check Gumtree classifieds
- Ask neighbors who deliver
Best For: Very young teens (13-15 years), those wanting independence
- Lawn Mowing/Gardening
Minimum Age: 14+ years
Why Good:
✅ Self-employed
✅ Good pay ($15-30/hour)
✅ Exercise
✅ Work independently
✅ Build business skills
✅ Flexible schedule
Pay: $15-30/hour (set your own rates)
Hours: 5-15 hours/week (weekends)
Earnings:
- $20/hour × 8 hours = $160/week ($8,320/year)
What You’ll Do:
- Mowing lawns
- Trimming hedges
- Weeding
- General gardening
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Business skills
- Customer service
- Physical work
- Equipment operation
- Entrepreneurship
How to Start:
- Advertise locally
- Create flyers
- Tell neighbors
- Start with family/friends
Best For: Entrepreneurial teens, those wanting to be their own boss
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Minimum Age: 14+ years
Why Good:
✅ Work with animals
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Good pay ($15-30/hour)
✅ Can do homework while pet sitting
✅ Build responsibility
Pay: $15-30/hour
Hours: 5-15 hours/week (flexible)
Earnings:
- $20/hour × 8 hours = $160/week ($8,320/year)
What You’ll Do:
- Walking dogs
- Pet sitting
- Feeding animals
- Basic pet care
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Responsibility
- Animal care
- Time management
- Customer service
How to Start:
- Register on Mad Paws, PetCloud
- Tell neighbors
- Create flyers
- Get references
Best For: Animal lovers, responsible teens, those wanting flexibility
Best Jobs by Age
Age 14-15 (First Jobs)
Best Options:
1.Fast food (McDonald’s, KFC)
2.Newspaper delivery
3.Babysitting
4.Tutoring
5.Lawn mowing
Why: These actively hire young teens and require no experience.
Age 16-17 (More Options)
Best Options:
1.Supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles)
2.Retail (Kmart, Target)
3.Fast food
4.Hospitality
5.Cinema
6.Tutoring
Why: More employers hire at 16+, better pay, more responsibility.
Age 18-19 (Adult Rates)
Best Options:
1.Hospitality (bartending with RSA)
2.Supermarkets (adult pay rates)
3.Retail (adult pay rates)
4.Delivery driving (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
5.Tutoring
Why: Adult pay rates ($23-30/hour), more opportunities, can work in bars.
Pay Comparison by Age
| Age | Fast Food | Supermarket | Retail | Hospitality | Tutoring |
| 14 | $12-14/hr | N/A | N/A | N/A | $20-30/hr |
| 15 | $13-16/hr | $14-17/hr | $13-16/hr | $14-18/hr | $20-30/hr |
| 16 | $15-19/hr | $16-20/hr | $15-19/hr | $16-21/hr | $20-35/hr |
| 17 | $17-22/hr | $18-23/hr | $17-22/hr | $19-24/hr | $25-35/hr |
| 18 | $21-26/hr | $23-27/hr | $22-26/hr | $23-30/hr | $25-40/hr |
| 19 | $22-26/hr | $24-28/hr | $23-27/hr | $24-32/hr | $25-40/hr |
Note: Weekend penalty rates (1.5x Saturday, 2x Sunday) significantly increase earnings.
How to Get Your First Job as a Teenager
Step 1: Choose Age-Appropriate Jobs
14-15 years: Fast food, babysitting, tutoring, lawn mowing, newspaper delivery
16+ years: Add supermarkets, retail, hospitality, cinema
18+ years: Add bartending, delivery driving (Uber Eats)
Step 2: Prepare Simple Resume
Include:
- Contact information
- Personal statement (2-3 sentences)
- Education (school, year level)
- Skills (reliable, friendly, quick learner)
- Extracurricular activities
- Volunteer work
- Availability
- References (teachers, family friends)
Step 3: Get Parental Support
Needed:
- Parental consent forms
- Parent may attend interview
- Transportation arrangements
- Support and encouragement
Step 4: Apply Widely
Strategy:
- Apply to 15-20 positions
- Mix of job types
- Various locations
- Don’t be discouraged by rejections
Step 5: Prepare for Interview
Common Questions:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “Why do you want this job?”
- “What’s your availability?”
- “How will you balance work and school?”
- “Why should we hire you with no experience?”
Your Answers Should Emphasize:
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
- Reliability and responsibility
- Good attitude
- Available hours
- School comes first but committed to work
Step 6: Be Professional
During Interview:
- Dress neatly
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- Bring parent if required
- Smile and make eye contact
- Be enthusiastic
- Thank interviewer
Tips for Success as a Teenage Worker
- Be Extremely Reliable
Never late, never call in sick unless genuinely ill, always show up.
- Have a Positive Attitude
Smile, be friendly, stay positive even when tired or busy.
- Learn Quickly
Pay attention during training, ask questions, take initiative.
- Prioritize School
School always comes first. Reduce work hours if grades suffer.
- Save Your Money
Save 50-70% of earnings for future goals (car, phone, university).
- Build Good Relationships
Be friendly with colleagues and managers. Good relationships = better shifts and references.
- Communicate Clearly
Tell employer about school schedule, exams, availability changes well in advance.
Common Questions
What’s the best first job for a 14-year-old?
McDonald’s or fast food chains are the best first jobs for 14-year-olds. They actively hire young teens, provide comprehensive training, require no experience, and offer flexible scheduling.
How many hours should teenagers work?
During school term: 8-15 hours/week maximum. During holidays: Can work full-time (38 hours/week). Don’t work so much that school performance suffers.
Do I need a resume with no experience?
Yes, but keep it simple. Include school, skills, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and availability. Emphasize willingness to learn and positive attitude.
How much can teenagers earn?
Depends on age and hours. 15-year-old working 12 hours/week earns ~$180/week ($9,360/year). 17-year-old working 15 hours/week earns ~$300/week ($15,600/year).
Do teenagers pay tax?
Need Tax File Number, but if earning under $18,200/year (most teens do), pay no tax and get refund of any tax withheld.
Conclusion
The best jobs for Australian teenagers provide not just income but valuable life skills, work experience, and financial independence. Fast food, supermarkets, and retail offer the most accessible first jobs for teens aged 14-19, with pay ranging from $12-26/hour depending on age.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Best first jobs: Fast food (McDonald’s, KFC) for 14-16 year old
✅ Best pay: Tutoring ($20-40/hour) and hospitality (with tips)
✅ Most accessible: Fast food and retail (always hiring)
✅ Work hours: 8-15 hours/week during school term
✅ Priority: School comes first always
✅ Success factors: Reliability, positive attitude, willingness to learn
Your first job is an important milestone that teaches responsibility, time management, and work ethic that will benefit you throughout life. Start with age-appropriate jobs, work reasonable hours, prioritize school, and enjoy the independence and experience that comes with earning your own money.
Related Articles:
- After School Jobs Australia
- Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Weekend Jobs for Students
- First Job Resume Australia
- High School Student Resume Australia
- McDonald’s Resume No Experience