Top 5 Jobs for Teens
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When it comes to finding jobs for teens, there’s more to just how much money they’ll end up making. Many teens will be looking for their first job, a memory they’ll keep with them for the rest of their lives. But let’s be honest, the money also helps.
A teen’s first job is also their introduction to workplace skills they’ll carry with them throughout their whole careers. From time management and customer service, the kind of job they get helps determine who they’ll grow up to be.
Whatever the reason is, finding the right jobs for teens is a fundamental part of their growth into adulthood. With plenty of options available, it’s just a matter of finding the one that fits best for them.
Looking for Employment in Your Early Career
Starting your first ever job search can feel overwhelming, especially because you won’t have any work experience yet. The good news is that many employers actively seek teens for casual and part-time roles. These are the kinds of jobs you’d expect, like retail and fast food. Before you try to find a job, think about what matters most to you. Are you interested in customer service, or would you prefer behind-the-scenes work?
Start your search by checking online job boards like Seek, Indeed, and Jora for entry-level positions with local businesses. Walk into retail, hospitality or fast food venues during quiet periods (with printed copies of your resume and ask if they have any vacancies. Also tell your family, friends, and teachers that you are looking for work; word-of-mouth referrals often lead to appropriate jobs for teens.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter to the Job Description
Even without work experience, you can create a strong resume that highlights your strengths. Start with your contact details, then add your education and any volunteer extracurricular activities.
Since you don’t have any work experience yet, you’ll need to focus on transferable skills. Have you helped organise school events? That shows problem-solving and teamwork. Do you play sports? That demonstrates commitment and time management. Have you done volunteer work? That proves reliability and community awareness.
Try to address all of the requirements in the job details. For example, if the vacancy mentions “customer service skills,” make sure those words appear in your resume, and if they want someone “reliable and punctual,” highlight your attendance record or commitment to activities.
If your resume is the summary of your career, then your cover letter is the expanded version. It explains why you’re a good fit for the role. Read the job description carefully and try to match its language in your application. Try to address all of their requirements. For example, if the vacancy mentions “customer service skills,” make sure those words appear in your resume, and if they want someone “reliable and punctual,” highlight your attendance record or commitment to activities.
Afterschool and Weekend Part-Time Positions
Part-time roles are where most jobs for teens begin. Regularly offering between 10 and 20 hours per week, their flexibility is ideal for those still at school.
Babysitting
The eternal teen job classic, babysitting remains one of the quintessential jobs for teens. You can easily get started by looking after younger siblings, neighbour’s kids, and family friends’ children. You can set your own rate and hours, but don’t get greedy or push yourself too hard; expect to earn between $15 and $25 per hour.
Retail Assistant and Fast Food Jobs
Customer service jobs are probably the most common first jobs for teens in Australia. Retail vacancies are common at clothing stores, electronics shops, bookshops, and specialty retailers, while food service opportunities can be found in fast food, cafes, and restaurants. These positions offer flexible weekend and evening shifts, which fit well with school schedules, and often pay well, especially for weekend worker penalty rates.
Gig economy jobs for teenagers become available once they turn 18 and can work for food delivery services like Uber Eats or Menulog.
Supermarket Jobs
Supermarket jobs for teens are another easy one to nab, and it’s usually as simple as walking in and asking if they have any vacancies. Major chains like Woolworths and Coles hire thousands of young workers each year for positions like checkout operator, stock replenishment assistant, online order picker, deli worker, or baker. Some also offer retention bonuses like continued training and upskilling to help kickstart their career.
Online and Remote Worker Roles
The digital economy has created new opportunities for tech-savvy teenagers. And with most of them growing up using the internet, it’s a perfect place to find jobs for teens. They can even make their own jobs!
Online tutoring allows you to help younger or foreign students with subjects you excel in. Social media is great for kids who understand things like Instagram and TikTok, and who know how to use them to attract attention. This goes double for teens with design or video skills!
Content and streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok can generate income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and donations. Teens who can produce comedy sketches or stream games in an engaging way can find their futures here.
Christmas Casual Jobs for Teens and Youth
Summer jobs for teens peak during the Christmas casual period from November through January. Start your job search early as many companies begin advertising Christmas casual positions in October, and applications close quickly.
Retailers and department stores need extra gift wrappers, sales assistants, and stockroom workers to handle the holiday shopping rush. Supermarkets require additional checkout operators, shelf stackers, and online order packers as customers stock up for holiday celebrations. Shopping centres employ customer service assistants, car park attendants, and Santa’s helpers for photo opportunities with children. Hospitality venues need extra waitstaff, kitchen hands, and bar support for Christmas parties and New Year celebrations. Event companies look for temporary workers to set up and pack down functions.
Need Help? Check Out These Government Support Services for Teenagers
Still need help? Don’t worry, there are plenty of support services which assist young people entering the workforce. Workforce Australia offers free job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training opportunities, while My Skills is the Australian Government’s national directory of vocational education and training where you can easily find apprenticeships, traineeships, and courses that can boost your employability in specific industries.
Centrelink offers Youth Allowance for Australian students aged 16 to 24 who meet specific criteria. However, you must be independent or eligible for the away-from-home rate.
Your school might also have a careers advice department to talk to. If they don’t or you find yours to be a dead end, you can always go and ask at your local TAFE or RTO for assistance.
FAQs
At What Age Can I Work in Australia?
The minimum working age varies by state and territory. Most states (NSW, ACT, NT, SA, Tasmania) have no minimum age, while Queensland allows work from 13, and Victoria and Western Australia require you to be 15. However, all states restrict hours and types of work for under-15s. Jobs serving alcohol and gaming positions require you to be 18 or older.
How Do I Get an RSA/RSG Certification?
You must be 18 years old to obtain RSA or RSG certification in Australia. When you turn 18 you can earn either qualification by enrolling in a one day course with a registered training organisation like Skills Training College.
Do I Need to Pay Tax as a Teen?
It depends. While you’ll need a tax file number for any teenager job, if you earn under $18,200 per year and claim the tax-free threshold on your TFN declaration form, little to no tax will be withheld from your pay. Most teens working casual or part-time hours fall well below this threshold.
