Best sectors with growth and salaries up to AUD 70,000/year

Australia’s job market is full of opportunities for newcomers, even those with no formal qualifications. These industries are hiring constantly, offering solid entry points.

Whether you’re aiming for flexibility or a long-term career, these sectors open doors to stability, skill-building, and future growth. Let’s explore the top options.

Fast-Food Industry

The fast-food sector is a gateway into the workforce, known for its fast pace and structured training programs. Major employers include McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, and KFC.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Crew member: Handles customer orders, prepares food, and ensures smooth service during peak hours.
  
• Kitchen assistant: Supports cooking staff, maintains hygiene standards, and manages stock in the kitchen.
  
• Drive-thru operator: Manages orders and payments at drive-thru windows, keeping customer wait times low.
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Starting pay: AUD 23–25 per hour, with penalty rates for weekends and night shifts.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Flexible shifts: Easily adjust working hours to fit study or personal schedules.
    
  • Discounted meals: Save money on food during and outside of shifts.
    
  • Paid training: Comprehensive onboarding to teach safety, customer service, and food handling.
    

Career Growth

• Shift supervisor: Leads teams during shifts and ensures service standards are met.
  
• Store manager: Oversees operations, staffing, and targets at branch level.
  
• Corporate paths: Roles in HR, marketing, or training within company headquarters.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• Communication skills: Essential for interacting with customers and teammates.
  
• Teamwork: Ability to work smoothly in a fast-paced team environment.
  
• Food safety certification: Often provided during initial training.
  

Best for: Individuals seeking flexible part-time jobs and those building foundational customer service experience.

Retail Sector

Retail offers reliable job opportunities across Australia’s largest chains like Woolworths, Coles, and Kmart, ideal for beginners aiming for career progression.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Sales assistant: Provides customer service, processes payments, and keeps shelves organized.
  
• Cashier: Handles transactions efficiently and offers quick service at checkout.
  
• Stock replenisher: Restocks items and ensures shelves are tidy and full.
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Starting pay: AUD 23 per hour, increasing with experience and responsibilities.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Staff discounts: Save money on personal shopping with regular employee perks.
    
  • On-the-job training: Learn product knowledge, safety, and customer interaction.
    
  • Flexible scheduling: Choose shifts that work around personal commitments.
    

Career Growth

• Team leader: Supervises sales staff and manages daily store operations.
  
• Department manager: Oversees a specific section, such as fresh food or clothing.
  
• Corporate roles: Opportunities in buying, merchandising, or marketing.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• Customer service mindset: Friendly and solution-oriented approach to shoppers.
  
• Attention to detail: Ensures stock levels and displays are always optimal.
  
• Basic math: Required for handling cash and processing payments accurately.
  

Best for: People who enjoy interacting with customers and want structured career paths in established companies.

Logistics and Warehousing

Logistics is booming thanks to e-commerce, making warehouses key hubs for employment. Major employers include Toll Group, Amazon, and Australia Post.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Picker and packer: Locates items from orders and prepares them for shipment.
  
• Warehouse assistant: Helps with incoming and outgoing shipments, organizing goods efficiently.
  
• Forklift driver: Moves large goods around the warehouse (license required).
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Starting pay: AUD 25–28 per hour, with overtime pay during peak seasons.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Overtime opportunities: Extra pay available during busy periods like holidays.
    
  • Skill development: Learn warehouse systems and equipment handling.
    
  • Career progression: Pathways into supervisory roles or specialized logistics.
    

Career Growth

• Warehouse supervisor: Manages teams and ensures operational efficiency.
  
• Inventory controller: Tracks stock levels and forecasts demand.
  
• Logistics coordinator: Plans transport routes and delivery schedules.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• Physical fitness: Ability to lift, move, and stand for extended periods.
  
• Reliability: Dependable attendance and meeting targets.
  
• Forklift license: Required for equipment operation (can be obtained on the job).
  

Best for: People seeking active, hands-on roles with clear performance metrics.

Construction Field

Construction offers high hourly rates and clear pathways to skilled trades. It’s one of Australia’s most accessible fields for entry-level workers.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Labourer: Assists tradespeople with manual tasks, site clean-up, and deliveries.
  
• Site cleaner: Keeps work areas safe and free from debris and hazards.
  
• Traffic controller: Manages vehicle and pedestrian flow around construction zones.
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Starting pay: AUD 27 per hour, often higher with experience or overtime.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Apprenticeship opportunities: Gain qualifications while earning.
    
  • High overtime rates: Extra pay for long shifts or weekends.
    
  • On-site training: Build valuable trade skills from day one.
    

Career Growth

• Trade apprenticeship: Train in carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
  
• Site supervisor: Oversee projects and teams on-site.
  
• Licensed contractor: Run independent projects or own a business.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• White Card certification: Mandatory to work on construction sites.
  
• Physical endurance: Ability to handle manual labor and long hours.
  
• Safety awareness: Must follow strict workplace safety rules.
  

Best for: Individuals seeking skilled trade careers and strong earning potential.

Delivery Services

Delivery work has surged, offering flexible jobs in food and parcel delivery, especially in urban areas.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Food delivery rider: Picks up and delivers meals by bike, scooter, or car.
  
• Courier driver: Transports packages to homes and businesses.
  
• Dispatcher: Organizes delivery schedules and tracks progress.
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Pay range: AUD 25–30 per hour, including bonuses for peak times.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Freedom to choose hours: Full flexibility to work when you want.
    
  • Weekly pay cycles: Fast access to earnings.
    
  • Bonuses and tips: Additional earnings based on performance and customer ratings.
    

Career Growth

• Fleet supervisor: Manages delivery teams and vehicle maintenance.
  
• Logistics manager: Plans broader delivery and distribution strategies.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• Driver’s license: Required for vehicle-based roles.
  
• Reliable vehicle: Must meet company standards for safety and condition.
  
• Good navigation skills: Knowing local routes is key for timely deliveries.
  

Best for: Those seeking flexible, independent work with quick earning potential.

Plumbing and Electrical Trades

These skilled trades are in high demand, offering apprenticeships that lead to well-paid, secure careers.

Popular Entry-Level Roles

• Apprentice plumber: Helps with pipe fitting, maintenance, and repairs.
  
• Apprentice electrician: Assists with wiring, installation, and troubleshooting.
  

Average Salary and Benefits

• Starting pay: AUD 20–23 per hour, increasing with each apprenticeship year.
  
• Benefits include:
  
  • Hands-on training: Learn from experienced tradespeople.
    
  • Certifications: Gain nationally recognized qualifications.
    
  • Job security: High demand ensures steady work after qualification.
    

Career Growth

• Licensed tradesperson: Work independently or for established firms.
  
• Contractor/business owner: Start your own company and expand services.
  

Requirements to Get the Job

• Apprenticeship enrolment: Must be part of a registered training program.
  
• White Card: Needed to work on sites.
  
• Manual skills: Good hand-eye coordination and problem-solving are essential.
  

Best for: People aiming for long-term, skilled careers with high earning potential.

Next up: Job Openings at Woolworths

Looking to explore retail jobs in more detail? Check out our next article covering Woolworths job openings, employee perks, and application tips to kickstart your journey.