Highest Paying Weekend Jobs In Brisbane 2022
Table of Contents
The highest paying weekend jobs in Australia don’t require you to become a CEO or to extend your normal 9-5 hours to include Saturdays and Sundays. In fact, most of the highest paying weekend jobs have a low barrier to entry and can fit comfortably around your other commitments, with the extra money coming from penalty rates. So, whether you’re a student seeking to earn some extra cash, a parent needing flexible weekend work, or you’re just ready to start a side hustle, the Australian job market presents numerous lucrative options for weekends.
Work From Home: Start a Side Hustle
Remote weekend jobs offer more than just flexibility. Turning your passion into your profession is a sure fire way to make sure that you get to do what you love for a living. Being your own boss means setting your own pay, and this can easily make your side hustle one of the highest paying weekend jobs if you play your cards right. Try not to get greedy though, as an independent worker people simply won’t want to pay you as much as they will a known and respected brand.
While making your own crafts or foods are where many get started, this won’t always pay well unless you know how to market yourself. Among the most reliable and highest paying weekend jobs are those found online. Digital marketing, online tutoring, e-commerce management, writing, design, virtual assistance, and especially social media content creation are all in-demand and can earn more depending on skill and experience.
Front of House Hospitality
The hospitality industry offers some of the most accessible and highest paying weekend jobs in Australia. Front of house positions provide excellent opportunities for weekend work for anyone who loves working with people or just someone looking for part-time weekend work.
The variety of jobs makes it even more appealing. Cafe barista roles remain steady earners, with average hourly rates around \$31.39. Bartending positions offer similar earning potential, with average rates between $28 to $35 per hour before penalties. Weekends and public holidays earn even more through penalty rates, which add 50% to 100% to the base hourly rate depending on the day.
While these positions usually require no prior experience, this comes with the caveat that a lot more people apply for them. You’ll be competing with eager teens looking for their first jobs, and other people after the high-paying weekend jobs found around the country. So what can you do to set yourself apart?
Taking a simple, one day training course with Skills Training College can give you the edge you need. A barista training course shows cafe owners you already know how to make most styles of coffee, and an extra latte art course shows you can add some extra flair. An RSA certification is a legal requirement for anyone who wants to work in a venue that serves alcohol, as is an RSG qualification if it has gambling. These courses not only give you skills which set you apart, they show that you’re willing to take the initiative to get the job done. Take them all together as part of our hospitality bootcamp to really show them what you can do.
Trades
In Australia, a “tradie” is anyone who works in a trade. This includes carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics, among many other roles. These kinds of jobs require you to be able to work any day of the week, including on weekends; you can’t control when your plumbing or wiring will break and need fixing. As such, tradies can freely charge more and have some of the highest paying weekend jobs in Australia.
Most tradies earn between 125% and 200% of their ordinary base rate for weekend work, depending on the day and their area of expertise. Public holidays are even better, with tradies typically charging around 250% their weekday rate.
The tricky part is breaking into the industry. Trades all require some kind of formal qualification to work, usually from TAFE, but once you’ve earned yours finding employment is easy. For those looking into carpentry, construction, or removal for their weekend work, additional workplace health and safety training is a legal requirement. Skills Training College offers mandatory white card and manual handling training to prove you’re capable of working safely in these roles.
Security
There’s more to security work than just being a security guard. The security industry also includes bouncers, airport screening, retail loss prevention officers, control room operators, and crowd control for events like concerts and conventions, all of which require employees to be free to work on weekends. Security guards earn an average of $26.55 to $37.18 per hour, with Sunday rates often doubling their base pay.
Security, like trades, also requires a formal qualification before you can begin employment. The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations course takes three months to complete, but once you’re done your door to the highest paying weekend jobs in security is wide open.
Support Work
Aged care and disability support workers help take care of some of our most vulnerable people, a job not limited to Mondays through Fridays. The tasks are varied, encompassing everything from cooking, cleaning, basic healthcare, to simply providing companionship. While deeply rewarding and fulfilling, the work and the hours can also be challenging for some, and with not everyone being able to rise to the task, it’s no wonder they provide some of the highest paying weekend jobs. Support workers earn between $32.88 and $47.16 per hour for standard shifts, with weekend rates reaching $47 to $62 on Saturdays and $63 to $83 on Sundays.
Both aged care and disability support work require you to complete a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support qualification first. This course takes between three to six months to complete, depending on your circumstances, commitment, and ability to complete the required work experience. It’s the same course for either aged care or disability support, with different elective streams depending on your preferred area of expertise, or you can choose to specialise in both!
Start Your Journey Towards the Highest Paying Weekend Jobs Today
The combination of penalty rates, high demand, and flexible scheduling makes weekend employment an attractive option for earning extra cash. When it comes to finding the highest paying weekend jobs in Australia, the only limits are how far you’re willing to go. So many of these roles are entry level, and those that aren’t simply require a brief commitment to you to undergo the training first. If you’re looking to pick up some extra cash, you can try striking out on your own. But if you really want to get paid, all you need to do is enrol in a short course for the skills you need to succeed.
FAQs
What is the Average Per Hour Salary for Weekend Work in Australia?
Most weekend workers earn between $30 to $45 per hour when penalty rates apply. The exact rate depends on your industry award, with Sundays typically paying 75% to 100% more than weekday rates. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading for weekend shifts on top of these penalties.
Do School Students Need Permission for Weekend Jobs?
Generally, no. Students aged 15 and over can work weekends in most industries, though restrictions apply for late-night shifts and hazardous roles. Students under 15 may work in family businesses or light duties with parental consent and school approval.
Where Can I Find the Highest Paying Weekend Jobs in Australia?
Many of the best-paying weekend roles are advertised through major job platforms like Seek, Indeed, and Jora. For certified roles, your course trainer may also be able to provide you with some advice and point you in the right direction.
