University students are in a bind regarding work since they need money, jobs with flexible hours that they can do alongside their studies, and roles that typically don't require much prior experience.

With that in mind, here are some jobs you could do while studying at university.

JobMain DutiesEstimated Salary (AUD/hour)
BaristaMaking coffee and serving in cafes$23 - $28
BabysittingChildcare, supervising kids$25 - $35
Call Centre OperatorHandling customer inquiries over the phone$22 - $30
Casual LabourPhysical work in trades or agriculture$22 - $30
CleaningCleaning homes or offices$28 - $32
Content Creator/InfluencerProducing and sharing content online$25 - $40
Data EntryInputting data into systems$25 - $33
Dogsitting/Pet CareWalking, feeding, or looking after pets$20 - $30
DriverDriving for rideshare or delivery services$25 - $35
Event StaffAssisting at events, setting up or serving$25 - $30
Film ExtraBackground acting in films and TV shows$27 - $35
Fitness InstructorTeaching fitness classes or individual sessions$30 - $45
Freelance Graphic DesignerDesigning for clients on a project basis$30 - $45
Healthcare Support WorkerProviding support to healthcare professionals$25 - $30
HospitalityWaiting tables, bartending, kitchen work$20 - $30
Mail Deliverer/Delivery PersonDelivering mail, packages, or food$25 - $30
Personal TrainerFitness coaching, group classes$40 - $62
ReceptionistFront desk duties, managing phone calls$22 - $28
Research AssistantAssisting with academic or business research$25 - $35
Retail AssistantCustomer service, stocking, sales$20 - $28
Sales AssociateSelling products, assisting customers$20 - $30
Social Media ManagementManaging social media accounts for businesses$25 - $40
TutoringOne-on-one academic assistance$30 - $50
Warehouse AssistantManaging inventory, packing, and sorting$23 - $28
Writing/EditingFreelance writing or editing content$25 - $40

Keep reading to find out more about each one.

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Barista

Estimated Salary: $23 - $28 per hour

A barista serves people in cafés and coffee shops. This job is great for students as they can work in the mornings or between classes.

A barista holding a coffee.
You could work in a coffee shop between classes. | Photo by Nathan Dumlao


It's a fairly social job, and the salary, provided you're working in the right place, isn't terrible.

Barista starting salary
$23

per hour

Babysitting

Estimated Salary: $25 - $35 per hour

Babysitting is a classic job for teenagers and students, and it often offers flexible hours in the evenings and on weekends.

A baby looking out of a window.
Babysitting is a job that a lot of teenagers and students try. | Photo by Kelli McClintock

Students who enjoy working with children or prove themselves responsible may consider trying out babysitting.

Babysitter starting salary
$25

per hour

Call Centre Operator

Estimated Salary: $22 - $30 per hour

Call centre operators are responsible for handling customer inquiries over the phone.

A person working in a call centre.
Call centres can work in shifts that fit well into some students' timetables. | Photo by Arlington Research

These roles can involve incoming or outgoing calls, which can significantly change the dynamic of the job and the kind of calls you deal with.

Call centres need operators almost every time of the day, so there are somewhat flexible shift options.

Call Centre Operator starting salary
$22

per hour

Casual Labour

Estimated Salary: $22 - $30 per hour

By casual labour, we're referring to roles that involve short-term physical work, typically with tradespeople or agriculture.

A house being built.
Do not underestimate just how difficult "casual" labour can be. | Photo by Sandy Millar

Some of these roles don't require qualifications, which makes them a great option for students. However, that doesn't mean the roles are easy.

Casual Labour starting salary
$22

per hour

Cleaning

Estimated Salary: $28 - $32 per hour

Various businesses and organisations need cleaners. Students can work as cleaners in homes, offices, and other types of businesses.

Typically, cleaners work early in the morning or late at night, at times when workers or other people are no longer there.

A cleaner using a spray bottle.
Cleaners typically work outside of normal business hours, making these roles great for students. | Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya
Cleaner starting salary
$28

per hour

Content Creator/Influencer

Estimated Salary: $25 - $40 per hour

Many students wish they had this role. Working with brands could earn you good money while at university if you have a strong social media presence.

A person taking a photo of a desert.
Content creation is the dream for many students. If you're good at it, you can do it alongside your studies. | Photo by NEOM

That said, you do need to carve out a niche in a very crowded space. However, this role offers a lot of flexibility around your classes.

Content Creator starting salary
$25

per hour

Data Entry

Estimated Salary: $25 - $33 per hour

Data entry roles simply involve inputting data into digital systems. There are lots of companies that now offer these roles remotely, allowing students to work from home and on their own schedule.

A person typing on a black keyboard.
Data entry centres need people to input data and this can often be done at any time of day, making it a great role for students. | Photo by Michael Marais

In larger cities, you may be able to work in an office.

Data Entry starting salary
$25

per hour

Dogsitting/Pet Care

Estimated Salary: $20 - $30 per hour

Like babysitting, animal owners need someone to look after their furry loved ones. Students can walk, feed, or simply provide company to animals.

A person walking a dog.
People will pay for others to look after their pets when they can't. | Photo by Brian Wangenheim

This work allows you to set your own schedule, making it great for students.

Dogsitting starting salary
$20

per hour

Driver

Estimated Salary: $25 - $35 per hour

If you have a car or a vehicle, there are now many options for drivers. Whether it's rideshare services or delivery companies and apps, anyone with a vehicle can log a few hours and earn some money.

People waiting by a taxi.
Students with cars can use them for work. | Photo by Kina

The flexibility makes this a great option for any student with a vehicle.

Driver starting salary
$25

per hour

Event Staff

Estimated Salary: $25 - $30 per hour

Students could work before, during, or after events. Events need people to help with setting up, service, or even guest management.

A crowd at a concert.
Shows and concerts need staff and because they're usually late at night or during the weekend, they're great roles for students. | Photo by Anthony DELANOIX

Events requiring casual staff usually occur on evenings and weekends, which is great for students. Staff can work at shows, concerts, and other performances.

Event Staff starting salary
$25

per hour

Film Extra

Estimated Salary: $27 - $35 per hour

If you dream of being on the big or small screen, working as a film extra could be a way to get into the industry.

Extras on a film set.
Filming days are long, but extra work could be a way to break into the industry. | Photo by Jen Theodore

For students, filming opportunities on weekends is a way to make money. Still, these roles are different from being a movie star. The days are often long.

Film Extra starting salary
$27

per hour

Fitness Instructor

Estimated Salary: $30 - $45 per hour
For healthy students or anyone studying sports or fitness, working as a coach or fitness instructor at a gym is one of the better-paid student jobs.

A fitness instructor working with a client.
Fitness instructors work in gyms, leading classes and helping gym goers. | Photo by Victor Freitas

Check if your local gym is looking for anyone to take a class.

Fitness Instructor starting salary
$30

per hour

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Dr chintan
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Dr chintan
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4.9
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Freelance Graphic Designer

Estimated Salary: $30 - $45 per hour
Students with graphic design skills or those studying graphic design can work as freelance graphic designers alongside their studies.

A graphic designer sketching a dog.
Any student with the skills could work as a graphic designer in their spare time. | Photo by CHARLI

Not only will this help them earn money, but it's also great for building up portfolio pieces and a network of clients.

Graphic Designer starting salary
$30

per hour

Healthcare Support Worker

Estimated Salary: $25 - $30 per hour
Healthcare support workers work with nurses and doctors in hospitals and clinics. They can help with patient care and administrative tasks.

A healthcare working typing on a laptop.
Healthcare roles are a good way to gain experience in clinical settings. | Photo by National Cancer Institute

These are some great roles for students in health-related fields to gain experience and network.

Working in these environements also useful if you're working towards some of Australia's best paying jobs in medicine.

Healthcare Support Worker starting salary
$25

per hour

Hospitality

Estimated Salary: $20 - $30 per hour
Suitable hospitality roles for students include waiting tables, bartending, or kitchen work. Shifts are available during busier periods, like evenings and weekends, when students tend to be available for work.

A person pouring champagne in a hospitality role.
Event staff don't usually have regularly scheduled work, which makes it a great job for students who can work at events when they work with their class schedule. | Photo by Pelle Martin

However, these roles can involve some late nights, which isn't ideal for students with early classes on their schedule.

Hospitality starting salary
$20

per hour

Mail Deliverer/Delivery Person

Estimated Salary: $25 - $30 per hour
Delivering mail and packages is an excellent way for students to earn extra money. For those with a car or a bike, you can also work as a courier or do delivery jobs outside regular business hours.

A stack of mail.
Things need delivered and students can do it outside of their classes. | Photo by sue hughes
Mail Delivery starting salary
$25

per hour

Personal Trainer

Estimated Salary: $40 - $62 per hour
Whereas a fitness instructor could lead a class, a fitness trainer is likelier to be involved with an individual's health and fitness needs directly.

A personal trainer working with a client.
Personal trainers work directly with their clients. | Photo by bruce mars

If you have the skills and the knowledge, working as a personal trainer outside your university classes could be a good choice.

Personal Trainer starting salary
$40

per hour

Receptionist

Estimated Salary: $22 - $28 per hour
Receptionists greet visitors, manage the front desk, and answer phone calls and emails. This could be an excellent job for students in places open in the evening or at the weekend.

The reception in an office.
Most companies need someone to welcome visitors and other essential tasks. | Photo by Smartworks Coworking
Receptionist starting salary
$22

per hour

Research Assistant

Estimated Salary: $25 - $35 per hour
Research assistants help professors and researchers by gathering data, analysing findings, or managing projects.

A researcher looking down a microscope.
Students in science may be very interested in research assistant roles. | Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

This is an excellent role for students in the sciences, especially if it's related to their particular field or study.

Research Assistant starting salary
$25

per hour

Retail Assistant

Estimated Salary: $20 - $28 per hour
Working in shops is a very common role for students, and retail jobs are another that many students and teens end up doing.

A person working in a shop.
Many students can choose to work in shops. | Photo by Alexander Kovacs

A retail assistant works in a shop, helping customers, stocking shelves, and handling sales. Since shops are open late and on weekends, it can accommodate most students' schedules.

Retail Assistant starting salary
$20

per hour

Sales Associate / Salesperson

Estimated Salary: $20 - $30 per hour
A salesperson could work in a shop, much like a retail assistant. However, these are sales-specific roles in shops or businesses where customers are encouraged to make purchases, and the salesperson is often rewarded for making sales.

A salesperson on the phone.
If you're good at selling, working in sales could be for you. | Photo by Berkeley Communications

Sales offers some of the best jobs without a degree so this could be an excellent way to work your way up to a high-paying job, particularly if you have a knack for sales.

Sales Assistant starting salary
$20

per hour

Social Media Management

Estimated Salary: $25 - $40 per hour

Many companies are looking for younger people to manage social media. Students, particularly those who grew up with social media, are often very well suited to these kinds of roles.

A smartphone with social media icons.
More and more companies need younger people to help them with their social media presence. | Photo by dlxmedia.hu

Luckily it's one of the best jobs in Australia and this kind of work can be done remotely, making it a particularly good choice for full—or part-time students.

Social Media Management starting salary
$25

per hour

Tutoring

Estimated Salary: $30 - $50 per hour

You can work as a tutor if you have skills or specialist knowledge. For students interested in teaching after their studies, tutoring is a good way to get hands-on experience with pedagogy.

A tutor working with a student.
You can teach your area of expertise to others. | Photo by fran innocenti

Typically, academic tutoring can only be offered to a level lower than the level you're currently studying.

Tutor starting salary
$30

per hour

Warehouse Assistant

Estimated Salary: $23 - $28 per hour

Warehouse assistants manage warehouse stock and inventory, sorting packages and ensuring stock is organised.

People working ina warehouse.
There are lots of opportunities in warehouses for students outside of their class schedule. | Photo by Centre for Ageing Better

Part-time roles are often available in warehouses, especially during peak retail seasons.

Warehouse Assistant starting salary
$23

per hour

Writing/Editing

Estimated Salary: $25 - $40 per hour

Freelance writing and editing are flexible roles that can be done remotely. If you're studying English, literature, or journalism, these roles could also help with your studies.

A person writing on a laptop.
If you're good at writing, you can find freelance work outside of class. | Photo by Kaitlyn Baker

There are also opportunities for students to do different types of writing, like content creation or academic editing.

Writer starting salary
$25

per hour

While getting a job related to your studies is always nice, any experience is good, especially when applying for jobs once you graduate.

Employers would much rather choose a graduate with experience outside of academia. Don't worry if your part-time job outside your studies isn't directly related to them.

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Joseph

Joseph is a French and Spanish to English translator, copywriter, and all-round language enthusiast.