Australia’s minimum wage is set annually by the Fair Work Commission and serves as a baseline pay rate for many workers across various industries. In 2025, the estimated national minimum wage is $25.20 per hour or $980.00 per week based on a 38-hour workweek. Casual employees typically receive an additional 25% loading, bringing their minimum hourly rate to $31.50. Many jobs that typically pay only the minimum wage include roles in retail, hospitality, cleaning, aged care, farm work, and call centers.
Now we will provide a comprehensive list of jobs that typically pay only the minimum wage in Australia, along with key insights into the industries, responsibilities, and career progression opportunities for these roles.
Learn more about 2025 minimum wage in Australia
Industries and Jobs Paying Only Minimum Wage
Many jobs that pay the minimum wage in Australia are in industries that rely on casual or entry-level workers. Below are some of the key industries and the common minimum-wage jobs within them.
1. Retail Industry
The retail sector is one of the largest employers of minimum-wage workers, particularly in roles requiring little to no experience.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Assistant | Stocking shelves, assisting customers, handling cash registers | Promotion to supervisor or store manager |
| Cashier | Processing transactions, handling cash, customer service | Advancement to head cashier or customer service manager |
| Shelf Stacker | Restocking shelves, checking inventory | Promotion to inventory manager or logistics supervisor |
2. Hospitality Industry
Hospitality jobs are a significant portion of minimum-wage employment, particularly in cafes, restaurants, and fast food chains.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
| Fast Food Worker | Preparing food, taking orders, cleaning | Advancement to shift supervisor or store manager |
| Waitstaff | Serving food and drinks, cleaning tables | Promotion to head waiter or restaurant manager |
| Kitchen Hand | Cleaning dishes, basic food prep | Progression to cook or chef with training |
Learn more about Minimum Wage for Hospitality & Retail Workers in Australia (2025)
3. Cleaning and Housekeeping
Cleaning jobs often pay minimum wage and can be found in various settings, including hotels, office buildings, and private homes.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
| Commercial Cleaner | Cleaning offices, restocking supplies | Supervisor or contract manager role |
| Housekeeper | Cleaning rooms, changing linens, restocking supplies | Housekeeping manager or hospitality coordinator |
| Domestic Cleaner | Residential cleaning, laundry services | Starting a private cleaning business |
4. Aged Care and Childcare Assistance
Entry-level roles in aged care and childcare usually start at minimum wage but offer career development opportunities with additional training.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
| Aged Care Assistant | Assisting elderly with daily activities | Further studies to become a registered nurse |
| Childcare Assistant | Supervising children, assisting with activities | Promotion to childcare educator or center director |
5. Agriculture and Farm Work
Many seasonal farm jobs and fruit-picking roles pay only minimum wage, with casual loadings in some cases.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
| Fruit Picker | Harvesting crops, packing produce | Senior farmhand or farm manager |
| Farm Laborer | Feeding livestock, maintaining farm equipment | Machinery operator or farm supervisor |
| Vineyard Worker | Pruning vines, harvesting grapes | Winemaking apprentice or vineyard manager |
6. Call Centre and Telemarketing
Entry-level customer service jobs in call centers often start at the minimum wage, with commissions or bonuses available in some cases.
| Job Title | Responsibilities | Career Progression |
| Call Centre Operator | Handling customer inquiries, making outbound calls | Promotion to team leader or account manager |
| Telemarketer | Selling products over the phone | Advancement to sales consultant or marketing specialist |
| Customer Support Representative | Resolving complaints, providing assistance | Growth into customer experience manager |
Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage Jobs
Pros:
- Accessible for beginners: No prior experience required in most cases.
- Flexible schedules: Many roles offer part-time or casual shifts.
- Opportunities for growth: Entry-level positions can lead to better-paid roles with experience and training.
Cons:
- Limited earnings: May not be sufficient to cover living expenses, especially in major cities.
- Job insecurity: Casual employment often lacks job stability.
- Repetitive tasks: Minimal skill development in some roles.
How to Increase Your Earnings Beyond Minimum Wage
If you’re currently earning minimum wage and looking for ways to boost your income, here are some strategies:
- Upskilling and Training – Enroll in courses to gain industry-specific qualifications.
- Networking – Connect with professionals in your field to explore better opportunities.
- Gaining Experience – Many higher-paying jobs require experience; starting in a minimum-wage role can be a stepping stone.
- Seeking Promotions – Show initiative and reliability to move up the career ladder.
- Exploring Side Gigs – Consider freelance work, gig economy jobs, or starting a small business.
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Jobs that pay only minimum wage in Australia are often entry-level positions in retail, hospitality, cleaning, aged care, agriculture, and call centers. While these roles provide essential employment opportunities, workers can improve their earnings and career prospects by acquiring new skills, seeking promotions, or transitioning into higher-paying industries.
Looking to build a successful career in Australia? My New Australian Life can help you navigate job opportunities, upskilling options, and career growth strategies. Contact us today to start your journey toward a better-paying career in Australia!
