Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture, top universities, and student-friendly environment, attracts thousands of international students every year. But along with world-class education comes the need to manage expenses—and that’s where part time jobs in Melbourne come in. Working part-time not only helps students financially but also offers valuable experience in a global work environment. If you’re wondering which jobs pay the best or how to find part time job in Melbourne, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the highest paying part time jobs for students in Melbourne, their average pay, and key requirements.
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the national minimum wage in Australia as of July 2025 is AUD $24.95 per hour, while casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading—bringing it to around AUD $31.19 per hour. This means any job paying above this rate can be considered high-paying for students.
For international students, the Australian Government allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks. (Department of Education, Australia).
Part-time employment in Victoria has steadily grown over recent years, according to the 2024 State of the Victorian Labour Market Report. The trend indicates increasing flexibility and demand for casual workers, especially in hospitality, retail, IT, and education sectors.
Several factors influence how much students earn in part time jobs in Melbourne:
Skill requirement: Technical or specialized jobs (like data analysis or tutoring) pay more than general roles.
Experience and qualifications: Students with previous experience or relevant coursework can negotiate better pay.
Industry demand: Jobs in IT, marketing, and customer service often have higher hourly rates.
Shift timing: Part time evening jobs Melbourne or weekend jobs may pay higher due to overtime or penalty rates.
If you have strong analytical and Excel skills, working as a data analyst is one of the most high paying part time jobs Melbourne has to offer. Many startups, research institutes, and tech firms hire students on a flexible basis.
Part-time data analyst positions typically pay between AUD $40–$60 per hour, making them one of the highest paying part time jobs for students in Melbourne. Some companies also offer project-based pay, where earnings can exceed AUD $1,000 for short-term assignments.
Because data analytics can often be done remotely, many employers offer hybrid or work-from-home options, making it convenient for students balancing university schedules.
Data analytics is not just about high pay—it’s also a future-proof skill set. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) projects that jobs requiring digital literacy and analytical skills will grow by over 15% through 2028, especially in Victoria’s technology and research sectors.
Working part-time in analytics can also enhance your employability after graduation, opening doors to full-time positions like data scientist, business analyst, or digital strategist.
According to Fair Work Commission’s 2025 Annual Wage Report, IT and analytical roles in Victoria are among the fastest-growing part-time occupations.
For students pursuing education or with academic expertise, part time teaching jobs Melbourne such as tutoring or mentoring can be highly rewarding.
Average Pay: AUD $35–$70 per hour
Common Roles: University tutor, private English/math tutor, online teaching assistant
Ideal For: Postgraduate and education students
The Victorian Department of Education notes that casual tutoring demand has increased significantly post-COVID, as schools and universities emphasize student support and flexible learning.
Teaching-based part-time roles often pay more than typical student jobs because they rely on knowledge, communication skills, and subject expertise rather than manual labor. For instance, university-employed casual tutors in Melbourne can earn AUD $55–$70 per hour, according to the University of Melbourne’s 2025 Casual Academic Pay Scale. Similarly, private tutoring through online platforms or agencies can yield comparable or even higher rates, depending on the subject complexity and experience of the tutor.
This earning range is well above the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission (AUD $24.95/hr), confirming that tutoring falls under the high paying part time jobs Melbourne category.
Marketing students can gain experience while earning well through part time marketing jobs Melbourne. These include roles like social media management, digital marketing assistance, or brand promotions. According to Glassdoor Australia and SEEK (2025 data), part-time marketing assistants in Melbourne earn around AUD $45 per hour on average, with skilled candidates in digital roles reaching up to AUD $60 per hour. Rates vary depending on experience, company size, and whether the role involves technical work like PPC or SEO.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Professional Employees Award also ensures minimum hourly pay for marketing and communications professionals, which may increase with penalty rates for evening or weekend assignments—ideal for students balancing classes.
Skills Needed: Canva, Meta Ads, SEO, Google Analytics, communication
Work Flexibility: Many roles are remote or hybrid, ideal for students managing classes.
One of the major advantages of part time marketing jobs in Melbourne is flexibility. Many digital agencies and startups offer remote or hybrid positions, allowing students to work from home or on flexible schedules. This is particularly beneficial during university exam periods.
According to the Victorian Labour Market Report (2024), digital marketing roles have seen consistent growth as businesses increasingly shift to online advertising. The report also highlighted that part-time and freelance marketing positions are among the top flexible employment options for young professionals in Victoria.
According to Glassdoor Australia, marketing assistants in Melbourne earn around AUD $45 per hour on average for part-time roles, especially in digital agencies.
For students pursuing accounting, finance, or commerce degrees, part time accounting jobs Melbourne provide not only a good income but also valuable professional experience. These roles allow you to apply theoretical knowledge from your studies while building a strong resume, making them highly desirable for career growth.
Bookkeeping Assistant: Recording financial transactions and reconciling accounts.
Data Entry Clerk (Finance): Entering invoices, payments, and financial records into accounting software.
Assistant Accountant: Supporting senior accountants with reporting, GST preparation, and payroll.
Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk: Managing invoices, payments, and collections.
Accounting software: MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks
Financial reporting and compliance
GST handling and BAS preparation
Attention to detail and accuracy
Basic Excel and spreadsheet proficiency
Hands-on Experience: Gain practical exposure to accounting systems, reports, and real-world financial tasks.
Career Development: Many part-time roles convert into internships or full-time positions after graduation.
High Pay: With average hourly rates ranging from AUD $35–$60, these jobs rank among the highest paying part time jobs for students in Melbourne.
Flexible Scheduling: Many employers allow students to work around their class timetable.
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, software skills, and attention to detail.
Apply to accounting firms, SMEs, and university finance departments.
Consider short internships alongside part-time work to increase employability.
Keep updated with tax laws and financial regulations to stand out.
Part-time accounting jobs do more than provide income—they equip students with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to excel in finance careers. By working while studying, students can transition smoothly into graduate roles and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
Customer service continues to be one of the most in-demand part time jobs in Melbourne, offering flexible opportunities for both local and international students. These roles not only provide a steady income but also help build essential soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that are valuable in any career.
Front Desk Associate: Managing inquiries, handling bookings, and assisting customers in retail or hospitality.
Helpdesk Operator: Providing technical or customer support over the phone or via email.
Call Center Support: Assisting customers with queries, complaints, or product information.
Receptionist / Administrative Support: Greeting clients, managing schedules, and supporting office operations.
Strong verbal and written communication
Patience and empathy when handling customer concerns
Basic computer literacy (for data entry, CRM tools, or email communication)
Problem-solving and multitasking
According to the Victorian Labour Market Report (2024), customer service positions continue to grow in part-time employment, especially in retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors. These roles are particularly suited for international students because they often do not require formal qualifications, while offering above-minimum wage and opportunities to learn workplace culture in Australia.
Can fit around university schedules
Helps build transferable skills for future careers
Often includes tips, bonuses, or incentive pay
Provides networking opportunities with potential full-time employers
Tip: Always check that your employer complies with the Fair Work regulations to avoid underpayment—particularly important for international students working casual shifts.
Melbourne’s retail industry thrives in shopping centers like Chadstone and Emporium. Part time retail jobs Melbourne are ideal for students seeking flexible shifts.
Work Includes: Sales, cash handling, inventory management, customer assistance
Retail jobs also offer casual part time jobs Melbourne with weekend shifts that include extra pay due to penalty rates under the Fair Work General Retail Award.
According to Fair Work Ombudsman reports, retail remains a stable part-time sector with legally guaranteed pay rates and additional casual loading for students. Furthermore, the Victorian Labour Market Report (2024) highlights that retail continues to employ large numbers of part-time and casual workers, especially young adults and international students.
If you prefer quiet, flexible work, part time data entry jobs Melbourne can be an excellent option. These roles involve entering or organizing data for companies or institutions.
The Victorian Labour Market Report (2024) highlights administrative and clerical jobs as top growth areas for part-time work in the state.
According to the Victorian Labour Market Report (2024):
Administrative and clerical jobs are among the top growth areas for part-time employment in Victoria
Employers increasingly hire students for data entry tasks due to cost-effectiveness and flexibility
Proficiency in digital tools and data management is highly valued, opening doors for future administrative or analytical roles
For those who prefer balancing study during weekdays, part time weekend jobs Melbourne offer great flexibility. Popular weekend roles include event staff, hospitality, or food delivery.
Weekend work often attracts higher pay due to “penalty rates” set by the Fair Work Commission—an important factor in maximizing student income.
For students with unpredictable schedules, casual part time jobs Melbourne are a perfect option. These roles offer flexibility, allowing you to work only when you’re available, while still earning a competitive hourly wage. Unlike permanent part-time work, casual positions do not require long-term commitment, making them ideal for balancing studies and social life.
Common Roles: Retail, warehouse, café staff, and admin support
Pay Range: AUD $28–$45 per hour
Perk: Casual loading increases hourly rates significantly
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, casual employees earn a minimum 25% loading, making these roles ideal for short-term, high-pay shifts.
Here’s a summary of the best part time jobs in Melbourne combining high pay and career value:
Finding the right part time jobs for students Melbourne offers depends on preparation and networking.
1. Use job portals: SEEK, Indeed, and Jora are the most popular platforms.
2. Check university job boards: Most Melbourne universities have student job portals.
3. Leverage LinkedIn: Showcase your skills, join Melbourne job groups, and apply directly.
4. Visit stores in person: Especially for retail or hospitality jobs.
5. Network: Attend student meetups and job fairs.
Many students also consult professionals like a migration consultant in Australia to understand work rights and visa conditions before applying.
Your earnings depend on your job type and working hours. Based on data from Fair Work Australia and Glassdoor, most students earn between AUD $1,200–$2,000 per month working part-time (around 20 hours per week).
To put that into perspective, this aligns with the average salary Australia trends for casual student workers, especially in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
While Melbourne offers abundant opportunities, students must be aware of their rights.
A 2024 report by the Melbourne Law School’s Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law highlights ongoing issues of wage theft and exploitation among international students. Always ensure:
You are paid according to Fair Work’s minimum wage.
You receive payslips regularly.
Your employer complies with visa work-hour limits.
Students looking for stable, flexible, and safe employment often find Melbourne one of the best places to live in Australia for balancing study and part-time work.
Data analysis, private tutoring, and accounting assistant roles are among the top-paying student jobs, offering AUD $40–$70 per hour.
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters, and unlimited hours during breaks, as per the Department of Education.
Use job portals like SEEK, visit university job boards, or apply directly in stores and cafes for retail and hospitality roles.
Yes, part time evening jobs Melbourne and weekend roles often pay higher due to penalty rates.
Yes, a TFN is mandatory for legal employment in Australia.
Finding the right part time jobs in Melbourne for international students can make your student life more financially comfortable and professionally rewarding. Whether you choose tutoring, data analysis, or customer service, Melbourne’s flexible job market ensures opportunities for everyone.
Always verify your pay rate with the Fair Work Ombudsman and check job legality under your visa conditions. With smart planning, students can balance study, work, and leisure while enjoying life in one of the best places to live in Australia.
