Australia Cost & living - Part-time work

A country comparison lists part-time work permission of 20 hours a week in the USA and 48 hours a fortnight in Australia. Rules depend on your visa and can change, so check official government sources for the latest limits before you plan any work.

Student part-time jobs in Australia typically pay around AUD 33 to 36 per hour (casual award minimums) for barista, kitchen, retail and cashier roles, while private tutoring is listed higher at AUD 35 to 50 per hour. Actual pay varies by employer, role and shift.

Australia's national minimum wage is AUD 26.44 per hour. Casual employees receive an extra 25 percent loading on top, which brings the casual rate to around AUD 33.05 per hour. Casual rates differ slightly by industry, for example retail is about AUD 34.76 and security about AUD 35.53.

Casual workers in Australia often earn a higher rate on weekends and holidays. Saturday shifts typically add around 25 percent, taking hospitality pay to close to AUD 41 an hour. Sunday shifts can add up to 50 percent, and public holiday shifts can pay roughly double.

Australia lets international students work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. In the USA, students can usually work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term, and the UK also usually allows up to 20 hours per week during term, subject to visa rules.

As an international student at La Trobe University, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and full time during study breaks or vacations. Popular part time roles among students include graphic designer, barista, healthcare counsellor, and early childhood educator.

You can work up to 48 hours a fortnight, roughly 24 hours a week, during term, and unlimited hours during course breaks. From 1 July 2026, Australia's National Minimum Wage is 26.44 dollars an hour, or 33.05 dollars for casual staff.