Best Part-Time Jobs in Melbourne for Students and Skilled Workers

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most vibrant cities — known for its world-class education, multicultural lifestyle, and countless job opportunities. For both international students and skilled professionals, finding part time jobs Melbourne is an excellent way to gain experience, earn extra income, and become part of the city’s dynamic workforce. Whether you’re looking to support your studies or supplement your income, Melbourne offers a wide range of flexible job options across different industries.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best part-time jobs available in Melbourne for students and skilled workers, average earnings, and how they compare with the median salary in Australia.

Why Choose Part-Time Work in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s strong economy, supported by industries like hospitality, education, healthcare, retail, and technology, makes it ideal for part-time employment. Students often prefer part-time jobs to manage their academic schedules while earning income to cover their living expenses. Meanwhile, skilled workers or migrants often take on part-time work to maintain work-life balance, explore new industries, or transition into full-time roles.

The median salary in Australia currently sits around AUD 90,000 per year for full-time employees. For part-time roles, the hourly pay typically ranges from AUD 25 to AUD 40, depending on skills, experience, and industry. This means even a few shifts per week can help cover rent, food, and travel expenses — especially important given the rising living costs in Melbourne.

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Best Part-Time Jobs in Melbourne for Students

1. Hospitality and Café Work

Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary, and with thousands of cafés, bars, and restaurants, the hospitality sector is one of the biggest employers of part-time workers. Students can find jobs as:

• Baristas

• Waitstaff

• Kitchen assistants

• Bartenders

These roles often pay between AUD 25–30 per hour, plus tips in some cases. Working in hospitality not only provides flexible hours but also helps international students improve their communication and customer service skills — valuable assets for any career.

2. Retail and Customer Service

Retail jobs are among the most accessible part-time jobs in Melbourne. Popular retail chains and local boutiques are always looking for enthusiastic part-timers to manage sales, restock shelves, and assist customers.Common roles include:

• Sales assistants

• Cashiers

• Store attendants

Pay rates usually range between AUD 25–32 per hour. Retail work offers flexible shifts, especially during weekends or holidays, making it perfect for students balancing study and work.

3. Tutoring and Academic Assistance

If you excel in a subject or have strong academic skills, tutoring is an excellent part-time option. Many international students and locals hire tutors for school and university subjects. You can work with tutoring agencies or privately through platforms like Airtasker or Tutor Finder.

Tutors can earn anywhere from AUD 35 to AUD 60 per hour, depending on the subject and experience level. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs, as you get to help others succeed while enhancing your own knowledge.

4. Delivery and Ride-Share Services

With the rise of online food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo, students can earn money on their own schedule. If you own a bike, scooter, or car, these jobs offer excellent flexibility.

On average, delivery drivers earn between AUD 25–40 per hour, depending on the number of deliveries and demand in the area. The ability to choose when and how much to work makes it an attractive choice for students who need control over their schedules.

5. Administrative and Office Support Roles

For those studying business, marketing, or IT, part-time administrative work can be a great opportunity to gain practical experience. These positions may involve data entry, reception duties, or basic office support.

Administrative assistants usually earn around AUD 30–35 per hour, and working in a professional environment helps build networks and enhances employability after graduation.

Best Part-Time Jobs in Melbourne for Skilled Workers

While students often look for flexible and entry-level positions, skilled workers may seek part-time jobs in Melbourne that align with their qualifications and experience.

1. Freelance and Contract Work

Melbourne’s digital economy offers numerous freelance opportunities for skilled professionals in IT, design, writing, and marketing. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect you with clients locally and globally.

Freelancers typically earn anywhere between AUD 40–100 per hour, depending on their expertise. It’s a great way to maintain income while enjoying flexibility and creative freedom.

2. Healthcare Support Roles

For skilled healthcare professionals — such as nurses, aged care workers, or medical assistants — part-time work is widely available in Melbourne’s growing healthcare sector. With hospitals, clinics, and aged care centers always in need of staff, these roles are both rewarding and stable.

Hourly pay ranges from AUD 35–50, often with opportunities for weekend or night-shift bonuses.

3. Education and Childcare

If you have teaching experience or qualifications, you can find part-time work in schools, early learning centers, or tutoring organizations. Education professionals are in high demand, and part-time work can provide great work-life balance.

Pay rates typically range between AUD 35–45 per hour, and this field offers meaningful engagement and job satisfaction.

4. IT and Technical Support

Melbourne’s tech sector continues to expand, creating demand for IT professionals even on a part-time or contract basis. Skilled workers can find opportunities in technical support, software testing, or data analysis.

These jobs often pay between AUD 40–70 per hour, depending on experience and project scope. Working part-time in IT allows professionals to maintain skills and network within the industry.

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Balancing Work and Lifestyle in Melbourne

While finding the right part-time job in Melbourne can help offset living costs, maintaining balance is key. Australian work regulations ensure fair pay and flexible hours for both students and workers. International students, for example, can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, allowing them to earn while focusing on academics.

The median salary in Australia provides a helpful benchmark to understand income potential, but part-time roles also offer valuable non-financial benefits: gaining Australian work experience, improving English skills, building professional connections, and learning cultural adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne offers countless part-time opportunities that cater to different skills, interests, and goals. From café jobs and retail work to freelance projects and healthcare roles, the city’s diverse economy ensures that both students and skilled professionals can find rewarding positions.

While the median salary in Australia remains high, even part-time work in Melbourne provides a solid income to cover living expenses and gain valuable experience. The key is to choose roles that not only pay well but also align with your long-term career path.

So, whether you’re a student aiming to manage tuition costs or a skilled worker seeking flexibility, Melbourne’s part-time job market has something for everyone — combining opportunity, growth, and an unbeatable lifestyle.