Top 7 Part-Time Jobs for Students in Melbourne

Melbourne is an amazing city to study in, but it isn’t exactly cheap. Between tuition, groceries, Myki passes, and that daily flat white, expenses add up fast. That’s why finding the right and best part-time job in Melbourne can make a huge difference. According to statistics, nearly 80 % of international students work part-time, balancing around 15–20 hours a week to support their living costs.

The best part? Many of these jobs are flexible, fun, and located close to Melbourne student accommodation areas like Carlton, Brunswick, and Southbank. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 7 part-time jobs for students in Melbourne that pay well, build skills, and fit perfectly around university life.

Sales Representative

Working in the sales field is both social and rewarding. From retail stores to tech outlets, this role naturally fits into the student schedules. If you look closely at part-time and sales jobs, 25% of all student employment in inner-city Melbourne. Average pay of a sales representative in Australia is AUD $25 – 30 per hour. And with performance commission your earnings can have a $40+ per hour boost on good days. Following are the various reasons that makes these top part-time jobs for students in Melbourne:

• You will have Flexible rosters & commission bonuses
• Perfect for marketing or business majors
• Close to major student accommodation in Australia, so you can work right after class. And hey, nothing beats your confidence when you close your first sales deal.

Tutor

If you are good at studying or love to explain concepts in simple language, tutoring is one of the highest paying jobs. It is the most flexible part-time jobs for students in Australia. As of now, Australia’s private tutoring market is worth over AUD $1.3 billion. Plus, student tutors make up nearly 20% of the workforce. Below are the reasons as to why being a in tutoring works as a top part-time job in Melbourne:

• Pay rates for this profession often reach AUD $40 – 60 per hour. Most of the times parents hire tutors for subjects like maths, science, and English
• Here you set your own schedule, whether you want to give tuitions online or in person.
• And if you are looking for work remote from your student accommodation, this job is perfect.

Receptionist

If you are someone who loves to be in a structured and calm environment, this job is for you. Reception roles are perfect for students who enjoy staying organized while keeping a friendly face at work. Offices, gyms, co-working spaces, and even student accommodations across Melbourne frequently hire part-time receptionists. Below are the key reasons that make receptionist a top part time job for students in Melbourne:

• Predictable hours and steady-paced work with average pay around is AUD $26–32 per hour
• Develops admin, time-management, and customer service skills
• Great fit for students living near Student Accommodation Melbourne, particularly around the CBD, Carlton, and Southbank, where most business centres are based

Student Advisor

There is something special about helping students find their footing. This is especially true when you have already been in their shoes. That’s why universities and private colleges in Melbourne often hire current students as student advisors or peer mentors. Average pay of a student advisor in Australia is AUD $30–35 per hour. Below are the key reasons that make student advisor a top part time job for students in Melbourne:

• It is on-campus job with zero commute and maximum convenience
• Builds leadership, teamwork, and mentoring skills
• Helps you network with faculty and future employers
• Perfect for those staying in university-managed student accommodation or shared housing near campus, since most training sessions happen after class hours

Waiter

If you consider yourself a people person, this one is a no brainer. Australia has got many top restaurants like Swanston Street, Docklands, and Chapel Street. They always keep hiring students for casual shifts. The energy in this profession is high, the shifts are flexible, and the pay isn’t bad either. Average pay for being a waiter in Australia is AUD $24 – 28 per hour. Plus, weekend or night penalties that can push it to $32 – 35. Below are the key highlights of being a waiter:

• Evening and weekend shifts leave mornings free for university students
• Sharpens your teamwork, time-management, and communication skills
• Students living in student accommodation near Melbourne can often walk to work and save on transport.

Babysitter

If you love kids and prefer something more personal, babysitting can be a great side hustle. It’s one of the most flexible part-time jobs for students in Melbourne, fitting perfectly around lectures, exams, or even late-night study sessions. According to some reports, casual caregiving and babysitting jobs in Australia have grown by 14 % year-on-year. Following are the key highlights of why working as a Babysitter is one of the best part-time jobs for students in Melbourne:

• Pick your own clients and working hours
• Often includes free meals or travel reimbursements
• Great pay range, AUD $28–40 per hour, depending on experience and location

Barista

Melbourne and coffee are basically soulmates. The city has got more than 2000 cafes and working as a Barista is not just a gig. It is part of the city’s heartbeat. Average pay for being a barista in Australia is around AUD $25 – 30 per hour. Here you will often have free coffee or tips on top. According to recent surveys, hospitality jobs make up 20 % of all student’s part-time roles in Victoria. Following are the key highlights of why working as a Barista is one of the best part-time jobs for students in Melbourne:

• Flexible morning or afternoon shifts that fit around classes
• Builds quick communication, multitasking, and customer service skills
• Ideal for students living in Melbourne student accommodation in areas like Carlton, Fitzroy, or Brunswick, where cafes crowd every corner

Conclusion

A part-time job in Melbourne isn’t just about extra income. It’s about confidence, community, and balance. Pick a job that complements your routine and location. Something that is close to campus, flexible with classes, and aligned with your strengths. And if you’re still looking for a comfortable, well-located home base, explore verified options through University Living. From shared apartments to studio flats near major universities, they make finding student accommodation in Australia effortless. So, you can focus on what really matters: studying hard, earning smart, and living your best Melbourne life.

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