A 15-year-old at Woolworths gets paid a percentage of the adult award rate, generally around 37-50% of a full rate depending on the specific agreement and if they are casual or part-time, so they'd earn roughly $9-$13+ per hour (as of 2020 figures), but you must use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator with current award rates for an exact figure, as rates increase with age and by award.
Young workers and the minimum wage
Under 16, you should get 36.8%, or $9.18 an hour. Aged 16, you should get 47.3%, or $11.80 an hour. Aged 17, you should get 57.8%, or $14.42 an hour.
Minimum Wage For A 15-Year-Old.
Workers aged 15 years old in Australia are entitled to a rate equal to 36.8% of the national minimum wage, which is at least $8.86 per hour based on full-time and part-time work. The minimum rate for casual work is $11.09.
Big W pays 15-year-olds according to the ~Retail Award for junior casuals, which is a percentage of the adult rate, meaning it changes, but historically has been around $12-$13/hour (around 2020), while newer data suggests closer to $15-$20+ for entry-level roles, but you must check the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator with your specific age, award (Retail & Fast Food Award 2020), and role for the exact current rate, as it's a percentage-based minimum.
Kmart pay for 15-year-olds in Australia varies by award, but it's generally a percentage of the adult rate, often around $12-$14 per hour during weekdays and more on weekends/evenings, with casual roles potentially paying slightly more, though it depends heavily on the specific Retail Award or Enterprise Agreement. For example, some reports mention rates like $12.04/hr in 2020, while others suggest newer rates around $14.70/hr for casual weekday shifts, with higher weekend/after-hours pay.
Coles pays 15-year-olds based on the Retail Award, which sets junior rates as a percentage of the adult wage, increasing with age; while exact rates change with annual wage reviews (like the July 2025 increase), expect rates around 40-50% of an adult's rate, meaning roughly $10-$13+ per hour, with casual loadings for weekends and nights, and rates are detailed in agreements like the 2024 Coles Retail Enterprise Agreement.
No, Woolworths generally hires staff aged 15 and over in Australia and New Zealand, not 14-year-olds, though some local/independently-owned IGA stores might hire younger teens. While 14-year-olds can work in certain roles (like trolley collection) with parental consent in Australia, major retailers like Woolworths stick to a minimum of 15 for their general entry-level roles, with applications often requiring you to be at least that age to apply.
What is the minimum age policy at McDonald's? We apply a minimum age policy of 14 years, except where State specific legislation applies (refer below). This ensures McDonald's restaurants provide a safe work environment, whilst supporting the academic commitments of young people.
Highest-Paying Teen Jobs In Summer 2025
Looking for your first job at 15? Great news, plenty of employers in Australia hire young people for retail, hospitality, fast-food, tutoring, and cleaning jobs. Many roles offer flexible hours, on-the-job training, and weekend shifts so you can earn money while studying.
Woolworths pays 15-year-olds according to the Fair Work Ombudsman's junior rates, which are a percentage of the adult award, typically increasing with age; older posts (from 2020-2023) suggested rates around $12-$13 for casual 15-year-olds, but it's best to check current award rates via the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator or ask in-store, as rates change with new awards and increases.
Ages 14-16: Teenagers often need more money for social activities, clothes, and tech. They may receive £10-£15 per week, or around £40-£60 monthly. Many parents start linking allowances to clear expectations, like helping at home or maintaining good school habits.
Depends on the age, 14 and 15 year olds get around 8.75 an hour but the pay increases every birthday after your 16th.
McDonald's generally pays the government award rate, which fluctuates depending on a worker's age, role and working hours. As of June 2020 the award rate for a part-time 15-year-old fast food worker was $8.56 per hour, while the rate for a 21-year-old casual was $26.76.
The rationale for a junior pay rate is to facilitate the employment of young people often entering their first or second job, recognising their competitive disadvantage in the job market relative to older Australians who generally have more work experience.
Average $1000 per week for 17 year old jobs
Big W pays 15-year-olds according to the Australian retail award rates, which are set by age and role, meaning they earn a percentage of the adult wage; in mid-2020, a 15-year-old casual retail worker earned around $12.04/hour, but rates increase with age, so expect it to be higher now, and you can check the official Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Calculator for the most current figure.
9 great first-time jobs for teens
KFC is famous for its crispy chicken and offers loads of entry-level fast food jobs around Australia. Minimum age to work: Generally, you need to be 14 years old to start - but you'll need to be 15+ to work in the kitchen.
The average Coles Group salary ranges from approximately $51,932 per year for Sales Assistant to $173,545 per year for Delivery Manager. Average Coles Group hourly pay ranges from approximately $26.18 per hour for Grocery Associate to $32.37 per hour for Duty Manager.
The minimum age to work at McDonald's varies by location, but generally, you can start at 14 or 15 years old, depending on local labor laws and franchise policies, with some places requiring a work permit, while certain roles or late hours (past 10 PM/midnight) often need you to be 18 or older. Always check with your specific local McDonald's for their exact age requirements and available positions, as rules differ between company-owned and franchised locations.
Yes, a 14-year-old might be able to work at Kmart in Australia, but it's not guaranteed and depends on local laws and store discretion; the preferred age is often 15, though some sources mention hiring 14-year-olds (especially 14 years and 9 months) for specific roles with parental permission and subject to child labor laws regarding breaks and hours, so checking directly with the Kmart store or their jobs site for specific state requirements is best.
To apply for a job at Woolworths, visit their official careers website, search for roles, create a profile (or log in), upload your resume (or apply without one for entry-level roles), and complete the online application, including your availability and details, then submit and watch your email for next steps like the chat interview.
They will probably know some people that need help raking leaves, or even washing the car. Another popular job for 12 year olds is babysitting. Your neighbours may be going out for dinner and they might have younger children that can't be left alone.
For example in June 2020 a 15-year-old retail level 1 employee would earn $12.04 per hour, while a 21-year-old in the same position would earn $26.76.