Cafe and restaurant jobs in Australia roles pay and work culture is one of those topics that comes up when students look for hospitality work. Cafes and restaurants are common employers, but the work varies. I’ve worked in cafes and restaurants, and I’ve watched friends work in different places. Some had great experiences. Others didn’t. The difference wasn’t always obvious until you actually worked there.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve worked various hospitality jobs, and I’ve learned what different roles involve and what they pay. Some roles paid well. Others didn’t. Some had good work culture. Others didn’t.
So here’s everything I know about cafe and restaurant jobs in Australia, based on what actually happens.
The Different Roles: What Actually Exists
Let me start with this, because understanding roles helps you choose what to apply for.
Waitstaff take orders, serve food, and handle payments. They’re customer facing and need good English and people skills.
Kitchen hands help in the kitchen. They wash dishes, prep food, and help cooks. They need less English but work in hot, fast paced environments.
Baristas make coffee. They need training and skill, but experienced baristas can earn more. This is a skilled role.
But here’s what I’ve learned: different roles suit different people. If you’re good with people, waitstaff roles might suit. If you prefer less customer interaction, kitchen hand roles might suit. If you want to learn a skill, barista roles might suit.
Pay: What Each Role Pays
This is important, because pay varies by role.
Waitstaff usually earn $23 to $26 per hour base pay, plus tips. Tips can add $5 to $15 per hour in busy places.
Kitchen hands usually earn $23 to $25 per hour base pay. Tips are less common for kitchen staff.
Baristas usually earn $24 to $28 per hour base pay, sometimes more for experienced baristas. Tips can add to this.
But here’s what I’ve learned: pay varies by venue and location. Busy places in good locations pay more. Quiet places pay less. Tips make a big difference for customer facing roles.
I’ve written about working in hospitality in Australia if you want more detail on pay and tips.
Work Culture: What It’s Actually Like
This is important, because work culture affects your experience.
Cafe culture is usually more casual. Cafes are usually relaxed, but busy periods can be stressful. Work culture varies by cafe.
Restaurant culture is usually more formal. Restaurants are usually more structured, with clearer roles and procedures. Work culture can be more professional but also more stressful.
But here’s what I’ve learned: work culture varies massively by venue. Some places have great culture with supportive managers and friendly staff. Others don’t. It’s hard to know until you work there.
Pros and Cons: The Real Picture
Let me be honest about both sides, because there are real trade offs.
Pros: flexible hours, tips can add significantly, can learn skills like making coffee, and can work evenings and weekends.
Cons: stressful and fast paced, physical work, tips are variable, and work culture varies.
But here’s what I’ve learned: cafe and restaurant jobs suit some students but not others. If you can handle pressure and work fast, they can be good money. If you prefer slower paced work, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which role pays the most?
Barista roles usually pay the most, especially for experienced baristas. But tips can make waitstaff roles pay well too, especially in busy places. Kitchen hand roles usually pay less but require less skill.
Do I need experience for cafe or restaurant jobs?
Not always. Many cafes and restaurants hire people without experience. They care more about reliability and a good attitude. But experience helps, especially for barista roles.
Should I work in cafes or restaurants?
It depends on your preferences. Cafes are usually more casual. Restaurants are usually more formal. Try both and see what you prefer.
How do I find cafe or restaurant jobs?
Check online job boards, walk into cafes and restaurants and ask, check notice boards, and ask friends. Don’t limit yourself to one method. Use multiple approaches.
Can I work in cafes or restaurants with limited English?
It depends on the role. Customer facing roles need good English. Kitchen roles need less English. Apply and see what’s available.
Is the work culture important?
Yes. Work culture affects your experience significantly. Some places have great culture. Others don’t. It’s hard to know until you work there, but ask around if you can.
Final Thoughts
Cafe and restaurant jobs in Australia can be good money, especially with tips. But work culture varies, and the work can be stressful. Different roles suit different people. Consider what suits you: customer facing roles, kitchen roles, or skilled roles like barista.
Don’t assume all cafes and restaurants are the same. Work culture varies massively. Some places are great to work for. Others aren’t. It’s hard to know until you work there, but ask around if you can.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Work culture matters. Pay is important, but work culture affects your experience significantly. Some places are great to work for. Others aren’t. Ask around, and don’t be afraid to leave if a place isn’t right for you.
If you’re still looking for work, check out my guides on best student jobs in Australia and working in hospitality. And when you’re working in cafes or restaurants, pay attention to work culture. Pay is important, but culture matters too. If a place isn’t right for you, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.
