Weekend Jobs for Students Australia 2025: Complete Guide

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Weekend Jobs for Students Australia 2025:

Complete Guide

 

 

Weekend jobs are perfect for students who need to keep weekdays free for classes and study. With higher penalty rates making weekend work more lucrative, weekend-only positions offer excellent earning potential while maintaining academic focus during the week. This comprehensive guide covers the best weekend jobs for students, pay rates with penalty rates, where to find positions, and how to maximize weekend earnings.

 

Quick Overview: Weekend Jobs for Students Australia

Best Weekend Jobs: Retail, hospitality, fast food, cinema, delivery driving

Pay: $30-60/hour on weekends (including penalty rates and casual loading)

Typical Hours: 8-16 hours per weekend (Saturday and Sunday)

Weekly Earnings: $400-900+ for weekend-only work

Key Advantage: Keep weekdays free for study while earning excellent weekend rates

Availability: Thousands of positions – employers desperately need weekend staff

 

Why Weekend Jobs Are Perfect for Students

 

Higher Pay with Penalty Rates

Saturday: Time and a half (1.5x base rate)

  • Base $25/hour → $37.50/hour Saturday

Sunday: Double time (2x base rate)

  • Base $25/hour → $50/hour Sunday

Example Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday at $37.50 = $300
  • 8 hours Sunday at $50 = $400
  • Total: $700 for 16 hours ($36,400/year for weekends only!)

 

Weekdays Free for Study

Academic Focus:

  • Monday-Friday completely free
  • Attend all classes without conflicts
  • Study during week without work distractions
  • Complete assignments without time pressure
  • Participate in weekday university activities

 

High Demand

Employers Need Weekend Staff:

  • Retail busiest on weekends
  • Hospitality peak times Saturday-Sunday
  • Easier to get hired if available weekends
  • More negotiating power

 

Work-Life Balance

Clear Separation:

  • Work on weekends
  • Study during week
  • Defined boundaries
  • No weekday work stress

 

Best Weekend Jobs for Students

 

  1. Supermarket Weekend Staff

Positions:

  • Cashier
  • Service desk
  • Deli/bakery
  • Produce
  • Online shopping picker
  • Night fill (Friday/Saturday nights)

Employers:

  • Woolworths
  • Coles
  • ALDI
  • IGA

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $35-42/hour
  • Sunday: $46-56/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 12-16 hours (both days)

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $35/hour = $280
  • 8 hours Sunday: $46/hour = $368
  • Total: $648/weekend ($33,700/year)

 

Why Excellent for Students:

✅ Consistent weekend shifts available

✅ Many locations

✅ Excellent penalty rates

✅ Staff discount (5%)

✅ Clear weekday-weekend separation

✅ Reliable income

 

How to Get:

  • Apply online at company careers page
  • Visit stores in person (weekday afternoons)
  • Emphasize full weekend availability
  • Highlight reliability
  1. Hospitality Weekend Staff

Positions:

  • Waiter/waitress
  • Barista
  • Bartender (18+)
  • Kitchen hand
  • Food runner

Employers:

  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Pubs and bars
  • Hotels
  • Function venues

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $34-52/hour
  • Sunday: $46-70/hour
  • Plus tips: $20-200+/shift

Typical Weekend Hours: 12-20 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 10 hours Saturday: $40/hour = $400
  • 10 hours Sunday: $53/hour = $530
  • Tips: $100
  • Total: $1,030/weekend ($53,500/year)

 

Why Excellent for Students:

✅ Highest weekend pay in student jobs

✅ Tips boost income significantly

✅ Social, energetic environment

✅ Meal benefits (free/discounted food)

✅ Flexible scheduling

 

Requirements:

  • RSA certificate for bartending (18+)
  • Food handling certificate
  • Customer service skills

How to Get:

  • Walk into cafes/restaurants (weekday 2-4 PM)
  • Ask if hiring weekend staff
  • Bring printed resume
  • Emphasize weekend availability
  1. Fast Food Weekend Crew

Positions:

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

Employers:

  • McDonald’s
  • KFC
  • Hungry Jack’s
  • Subway
  • Guzman y Gomez

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $27-39/hour (depending on age)
  • Sunday: $36-52/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 12-16 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $30/hour = $240
  • 8 hours Sunday: $40/hour = $320
  • Total: $560/weekend ($29,100/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Very flexible – easy to get weekend shifts

✅ Always hiring

✅ Quick training

✅ Meal benefits

✅ Work with other students

✅ Career progression available

 

How to Get:

  • Apply online at company website
  • Very high acceptance rate for weekend availability
  • Emphasize reliability and full weekend availability
  1. Retail Department Stores

Positions:

  • Sales assistant
  • Cashier
  • Fitting room
  • Stockroom

Employers:

  • Kmart
  • Target
  • Big W
  • Myer

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $33-39/hour
  • Sunday: $44-52/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 12-16 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $36/hour = $288
  • 8 hours Sunday: $48/hour = $384
  • Total: $672/weekend ($34,900/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Interesting products

✅ Good staff discount (10-15%)

✅ Social environment

✅ Less demanding than supermarkets

✅ Fashion/retail experience

How to Get:

  • Apply online
  • Visit stores in person
  • Emphasize weekend availability and interest in products
  1. Bunnings Weekend Staff

Positions:

  • Sales assistant
  • Cashier
  • Nursery assistant
  • Timber yard

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $36-42/hour
  • Sunday: $48-56/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 12-16 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $39/hour = $312
  • 8 hours Sunday: $52/hour = $416
  • Total: $728/weekend ($37,900/year)

 

Why Excellent for Students:

✅ Above-average pay

✅ Great work culture

✅ Interesting products (DIY, hardware, garden)

✅ Staff discount (5%)

✅ Student-friendly employer

✅ Physical activity

 

Requirements:

  • Physically capable (lifting, standing)
  • Interest in DIY/hardware helpful

How to Get:

  • Apply online at bunnings.com.au/careers
  • Visit store in person
  • Emphasize weekend availability and reliability
  1. Cinema Weekend Staff

Positions:

  • Usher
  • Candy bar attendant
  • Ticket sales

Employers:

  • Event Cinemas
  • Hoyts
  • Village Cinemas

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $33-39/hour
  • Sunday: $44-52/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 10-16 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $36/hour = $288
  • 8 hours Sunday: $48/hour = $384
  • Total: $672/weekend ($34,900/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Fun environment

✅ Free movies (staff benefit)

✅ Social atmosphere

✅ Less stressful than retail

✅ Work with other young people

How to Get:

  • Apply online at cinema websites
  • Visit cinema and ask for manager
  • Emphasize weekend availability
  1. Delivery Driving (Weekend Peak Times)

Service:

  • Uber Eats
  • DoorDash
  • Menulog

Weekend Pay:

  • Peak times: $25-40/hour
  • Lunch and dinner rushes highest

Typical Weekend Hours: Flexible – work as much or little as you want

Weekend Earnings:

  • 16 hours weekend peak times: $30/hour average = $480/weekend

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Complete flexibility – choose your hours

✅ Work peak times only (highest pay)

✅ No boss or fixed schedule

✅ Exercise if cycling

✅ Listen to podcasts/music

 

Requirements:

  • 18+ years old
  • Vehicle (car, scooter, bicycle)
  • Driver’s license (if driving)
  • Smartphone

 

Challenges:

❌ Income varies

❌ Vehicle costs

❌ No penalty rates (gig economy)

❌ Weather exposure

  1. Event/Function Staff

Positions:

  • Waiter/waitress
  • Bar staff
  • Event setup
  • Catering assistant

Employers:

  • Catering companies
  • Function venues
  • Event staffing agencies

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $35-45/hour
  • Sunday: $46-60/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 8-16 hours (events are weekend-heavy)

Weekend Earnings:

  • Variable, but excellent rates for weekend events
  • Often includes tips

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Excellent pay

✅ Interesting variety (different events)

✅ Professional experience

✅ Networking opportunities

✅ Weekend-focused work

 

How to Get:

  • Register with event staffing agencies
  • Apply to catering companies
  • Search “event staff” on job boards
  1. Gym/Fitness Center Weekend Staff

Positions:

  • Gym receptionist
  • Childcare attendant
  • Cleaning staff

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $33-42/hour
  • Sunday: $44-56/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 8-12 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 6 hours Saturday: $37.50/hour = $225
  • 6 hours Sunday: $50/hour = $300
  • Total: $525/weekend ($27,300/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Free gym membership

✅ Health-focused environment

✅ Active work

✅ Weekend shifts available

 

How to Get:

  • Apply at local gyms
  • Visit in person
  • Emphasize weekend availability
  1. Retail Specialty Stores

Positions:

  • Sales assistant
  • Cashier

Employers:

  • JB Hi-Fi (electronics)
  • Chemist Warehouse (pharmacy)
  • Pet stores
  • Bookstores
  • Sports stores

Weekend Pay:

  • Saturday: $34-42/hour
  • Sunday: $46-56/hour

Typical Weekend Hours: 10-16 hours

Weekend Earnings:

  • 8 hours Saturday: $38/hour = $304
  • 8 hours Sunday: $51/hour = $408
  • Total: $712/weekend ($37,000/year)

 

Why Good for Students:

✅ Work with products you’re interested in

✅ Product knowledge valued

✅ Good pay with penalty rates

✅ Staff discounts

How to Get:

  • Apply at stores you’re interested in
  • Emphasize product knowledge/interest
  • Highlight weekend availability

 

Weekend Earnings Comparison

Job Type Saturday (8hrs) Sunday (8hrs) Total Weekend Annual (52 weeks)
Hospitality $400 $530 $930 $48,360
Bunnings $312 $416 $728 $37,856
Specialty Retail $304 $408 $712 $37,024
Department Store $288 $384 $672 $34,944
Supermarket $280 $368 $648 $33,696
Cinema $288 $384 $672 $34,944
Fast Food $240 $320 $560 $29,120

Note: Hospitality includes tips which significantly boost earnings.

 

How to Get Weekend Jobs

 

  1. Emphasize Weekend Availability

In Application: “I have full availability on both Saturday and Sunday, all day, every weekend.”

Why It Works:

  • Employers desperately need weekend staff
  • Many applicants only want one weekend day
  • Full weekend availability makes you highly desirable

 

  1. Apply to Multiple Employers

Strategy:

  • Apply to 15-20 positions
  • Mix of job types
  • Various locations
  • Increases chances significantly

 

  1. Highlight Reliability

In Resume/Interview: “I’m extremely reliable and understand weekend work is essential in retail/hospitality. I’m committed to working every weekend.”

Why It Works:

  • Weekend staff reliability is crucial
  • Many students flake on weekend shifts
  • Reliability is #1 valued trait

 

  1. Apply Early in Semester

Timing:

  • Apply in first 2 weeks of semester
  • Before other students fill positions
  • Shows initiative

 

  1. Visit Stores in Person

Best Time:

  • Weekday afternoons (2-4 PM)
  • When managers available but not busy

What to Do:

  • Dress neatly
  • Bring printed resume
  • Ask to speak with manager
  • Express interest in weekend work

 

  1. Be Flexible About Which Days

If Needed: “I’m available both days, but if you only need one day initially, I’m happy to start with Saturday or Sunday.”

Why It Works:

  • Shows flexibility
  • Gets foot in door
  • Can increase to both days later

 

Maximizing Weekend Earnings

  1. Work Both Days

Strategy: Work Saturday AND Sunday

Earnings Boost:

  • One day: $300-450
  • Both days: $600-900+

 

  1. Work Longer Shifts

Strategy: 8-10 hour shifts instead of 4-6 hours

Earnings Boost:

  • 6 hours Sunday: $300
  • 10 hours Sunday: $500

 

  1. Choose Higher-Paying Jobs

Strategy: Prioritize hospitality, Bunnings, specialty retail over fast food

Earnings Boost:

  • Fast food: $560/weekend
  • Hospitality: $930/weekend
  • Difference: $370/weekend ($19,240/year)

 

  1. Add Public Holidays

Strategy: Always work public holidays (2.5x pay)

Earnings Boost:

  • 8 hours public holiday: $62.50/hour = $500
  • 11 public holidays/year = $5,500 extra

 

  1. Pick Up Extra Shifts

Strategy: Be available for call-ins, cover sick colleagues

Earnings Boost:

  • Extra 4-8 hours/month = $150-400/month extra

 

  1. Pursue Tips (Hospitality)

Strategy: Provide excellent service in hospitality roles

Earnings Boost:

  • Tips: $50-200+/weekend
  • Annual: $2,500-10,000+ extra

 

  1. Progress to Higher Roles

Strategy: Become crew trainer, shift supervisor

Earnings Boost:

  • Crew trainer: $2-3/hour more
  • Supervisor: $5-10/hour more

 

Balancing Weekend Work with Student Life

 

Social Life Impact

Reality:

  • Weekend work impacts social life
  • Miss Friday/Saturday night activities
  • Sunday work means no Sunday social events

Strategies:

1.Socialize weekday evenings instead of weekends

2.Plan social activities around shifts (after work, early evenings)

3.Make friends at work – socialize with colleagues

4.Occasional weekend off – request in advance for special events

5.Remember it’s temporary – student phase, not forever

 

Study Time

Advantage:

  • Weekdays completely free for study
  • No work distractions Monday-Friday
  • Can attend all classes
  • Complete assignments without time pressure

Strategy:

  • Use weekdays efficiently for study
  • Don’t procrastinate during week
  • Complete work before weekend
  • Sunday evening for light study/prep

 

Rest and Recovery

Challenge:

  • Weekend work means no traditional “weekend rest”

Strategies:

1.Rest weekday evenings – go to bed early

2.Use Monday as recovery day – lighter schedule if possible

3.Take care of health – proper nutrition, exercise

4.Request occasional weekend off – for rest and social events

 

Long-Term Perspective

Remember:

  • Weekend work is temporary (student years)
  • Excellent earnings for limited hours
  • Weekdays free for academic focus
  • Building work experience and skills
  • Earning significant income ($30,000-50,000/year for weekends only)

 

Weekend Job Success Tips

 

  1. Be Extremely Reliable

Never:

  • Call in sick unless genuinely ill
  • Cancel shifts for social events
  • Arrive late

Impact: Reliability earns more shifts, better schedule, promotions

 

  1. Stay Energized

Strategies:

  • Get good sleep Friday and Saturday nights
  • Eat properly before shifts
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take breaks

 

  1. Maintain Positive Attitude

Even When:

  • Tired
  • Dealing with difficult customers
  • Busy periods stressful

Impact: Positive attitude makes shifts easier and impresses managers

 

  1. Build Relationships

With:

  • Colleagues – make work more enjoyable
  • Managers – better shifts and opportunities
  • Regular customers – better tips (hospitality)

 

  1. Take Initiative

Actions:

  • Look for tasks when quiet
  • Help colleagues
  • Solve problems without being asked

Impact: Initiative earns promotions and recommendations

 

  1. Communicate About Availability

When:

  • Semester schedule changes
  • Exams approaching
  • Special events

How:

  • 4-6 weeks advance notice
  • Written request
  • Offer solutions

 

  1. Consider Progression

Opportunities:

  • Crew trainer
  • Shift supervisor
  • Department lead
  • Management

Benefit: Higher pay, better resume, career skills

 

Common ions About Weekend Jobs Quest

 

Can I earn enough from weekend-only work?

Yes! Working 16 hours per weekend at $40/hour average (with penalty rates) = $640/week = $33,280/year. Many students earn $30,000-50,000/year from weekends only.

 

Will I have any social life?

Yes, but different. Socialize weekday evenings instead of weekends. Make friends at work. Request occasional weekend off for special events. Remember it’s temporary during student years.

 

Do I have to work every single weekend?

Generally yes, employers expect consistent weekend availability. However, you can request occasional weekends off for special events with advance notice (4-6 weeks).

 

Can I work just one weekend day?

Possible but less common. Employers prefer both days. However, some positions offer Saturday-only or Sunday-only. Start with what’s available and negotiate later.

 

What if I have weekend classes?

Weekend classes are rare at university. If you do, look for evening shifts (after class) or negotiate around class times. Be upfront with employer.

 

Is Sunday really double pay?

Yes! Sunday is double time (2x base rate) for most retail and hospitality. Combined with 25% casual loading, Sunday rates are excellent ($46-60/hour for most student jobs).

 

Can I switch to weekday work later?

Yes, many employers are flexible. Start with weekends (easier to get hired), then request weekday shifts once established. Or transition to weekday work after graduation.

 

How do I request weekends off for exams?

Communicate 4-6 weeks in advance. Explain exam period dates. Request reduced hours or specific weekends off. Most employers accommodate with advance notice.

 

Conclusion

Weekend jobs offer Australian students excellent earning potential ($30,000-50,000/year for weekends only) while keeping weekdays free for academic focus. With penalty rates making weekend work highly lucrative ($30-60/hour), weekend-only positions provide the perfect balance of income and study time.

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Excellent pay: $30-60/hour with weekend penalty rates

✅ High earnings: $600-900+/weekend ($30,000-50,000/year)

✅ Weekdays free: Complete academic focus Monday-Friday

High demand: Employers desperately need weekend staff

✅ Best jobs: Hospitality, Bunnings, supermarkets, retail

✅ Easy to get: Weekend availability makes you highly desirable

 

Success Factors:

1.Emphasize full weekend availability (both days)

2.Choose higher-paying jobs (hospitality, Bunnings)

3.Work both Saturday and Sunday

4.Be extremely reliable

5.Maintain positive attitude

6.Build relationships

7.Consider progression opportunities

 

Weekend work requires sacrifice of traditional weekend social life, but offers excellent financial rewards and keeps weekdays free for academic success. For students prioritizing study during the week while earning substantial income, weekend jobs provide the ideal solution.

 

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