Working at Big W Australia
Big W is one of Australia's largest discount department stores, with over 170 stores across the country. As part of the Woolworths Group, Big W offers great opportunities for teenagers looking for their first job. They're known for flexible hours that work around school, comprehensive training programs, and a fun, fast-paced retail environment.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 14 years 9 months
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$18/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- Online at careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au
- Common teen roles:
- Checkout, customer service, stock replenishment, click & collect
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Big W?
Big W hires team members from 14 years and 9 months old. This specific age requirement applies across all states, though you may also need to meet your state's child employment laws. For example, if you're under 15 in Victoria, you'll need a Child Employment Permit before you can start.
Here's what you need to know about working at Big W in each state:
| State | Big W Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 14 years 9 months | Work permit required if under 15 |
| New South Wales | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Queensland | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Western Australia | 14 years 9 months | No permit required (restrictions apply under 15) |
| South Australia | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Tasmania | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| ACT | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
| Northern Territory | 14 years 9 months | No permit required |
As part of the Woolworths Group, Big W participates in youth employment initiatives and is specifically set up to support young workers entering employment for the first time. You don't need any prior experience to apply.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Big W?
As a teenager at Big W, you'll start in one of the entry-level roles. The specific position you get often depends on what's available at your local store and your availability. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Checkout Operator
Working on the registers is one of the most common roles for teenagers at Big W. You'll scan items, handle cash and card payments, process returns, and help customers with their purchases. Big W provides full training on their POS system, so no prior experience is needed.
Customer Service
Customer service team members help shoppers find products, answer questions about items, and assist with general enquiries. This role is great if you're friendly and enjoy helping people. You'll learn a lot about communication skills and problem-solving.
Stock Replenishment
This involves keeping the sales floor stocked and organized. You'll unpack deliveries, fill shelves, set up displays, and ensure products are in the right locations. It's active work that keeps you moving and helps shifts go by quickly.
Click & Collect
With online shopping growing, click & collect has become a popular role. You'll pick items for online orders, pack them for customer collection, and hand them over when customers arrive. It's fast-paced and involves using handheld devices to locate products throughout the store.
Big W covers a wide range of departments including clothing, toys, electronics, home goods, and more. As you gain experience, you may have opportunities to specialize in particular areas or take on additional responsibilities.
How Much Does Big W Pay?
Big W pays according to the General Retail Industry Award. For workers under 21, pay is calculated as a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. The rates below are approximate and may vary slightly:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $11-$12/hour | $14-$18/hour |
| 16 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$21/hour |
| 17 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 18 years | $18-$19/hour | $23-$29/hour |
| 19 years | $20-$21/hour | $25-$32/hour |
| 20 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
Weekend rates are higher due to penalty rates. Saturdays typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sundays pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher. If you can work weekends, you'll earn significantly more per hour.
These rates increase on 1 July each year when the minimum wage is reviewed. As part of the Woolworths Group, Big W team members also receive a staff discount card that can be used at Big W, Woolworths, and other group stores.
How to Apply for a Job at Big W
Big W uses the Woolworths Group online application system for all positions. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Woolworths Group careers website - Go to careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au and filter by "Big W" to see available positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your suburb or postcode to find Big W stores that are currently hiring. Not all stores hire all the time, so you may need to check back regularly or apply to multiple locations.
- Create an account - You'll need to set up a candidate profile with your email address. Use an email you check regularly, as this is how they'll contact you.
- Complete the application form - Fill in your personal details, availability, and answer any screening questions. Be honest about your availability and include school hours and any regular commitments.
- Upload your resume (optional but recommended) - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative and can help your application stand out.
- Submit and wait - After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. If selected, the store will contact you within 1-2 weeks to arrange an interview.
If you haven't heard back after two weeks, it's fine to call the store and politely ask about your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
Interview Tips for Big W
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Big W interviews are usually relaxed and focus on your availability and customer service skills. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably. You don't need a suit, but avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or anything too casual. Big W is a family-friendly store, so clean, tidy clothes in neutral or bright colours work well. Think "smart casual" rather than formal.
Common Interview Questions
Big W interviews typically include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Big W
- What do you know about Big W as a company?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- Describe a time you helped someone or solved a problem
- How would you handle a difficult or unhappy customer?
- What's your availability like? Can you work weekends and school holidays?
Tips for Success
- Research Big W before your interview - know their slogan and what they sell
- Be enthusiastic and show you're keen to learn
- Give specific examples when answering behavioural questions
- Ask a question at the end (e.g., "What does a typical shift look like?")
- Arrive 10 minutes early and be polite to everyone you meet
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with. Having your TFN ready (or at least applied for) is also helpful, as they'll need it when you start.
The interview usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If successful, they'll offer you the job on the spot or call you within a few days. You'll then complete paperwork and online training modules before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Big W? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 14 years and 9 months old to apply. If you're close, wait until you meet the requirement.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 3.Get your work permit (VIC only) - If you're under 15 and in Victoria, your parent will need to apply for a Child Employment Permit after you receive a job offer.
- 4.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, and your skills and interests.
- 5.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available on weekends and school holidays makes you more attractive to employers.
- 6.Apply online - Visit careers.woolworthsgroup.com.au and search for Big W team member positions near you.
- 7.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so Big W can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big W hires team members from 14 years and 9 months old. This applies across all stores in Australia, though some states have additional requirements like work permits for under-15s in Victoria.
Yes, but only if you're at least 14 years and 9 months old. Big W has this specific age requirement for all entry-level positions. If you're exactly 14, you'll need to wait a few months before you can apply.
Teenagers at Big W typically work in checkout, customer service, stock replenishment, and click & collect. These roles focus on helping customers, processing sales, and keeping the store well-stocked and organized.
Pay at Big W is based on the General Retail Industry Award. A 15 year old earns around 40% of the adult rate, which works out to approximately $13-$14 per hour on weekdays. Weekend and public holiday rates are higher.
No, Big W regularly hires people with no prior work experience. They provide comprehensive training for all team members and are known for being a great place to start your working career.
Most applicants hear back within 1-2 weeks if their application is successful. During busy hiring periods (like before Christmas or Back to School), it can take longer. If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, you can call the store directly to follow up.
Yes, Big W is owned by Woolworths Group, which also owns Woolworths supermarkets and other brands. This means Big W offers similar employment benefits and uses the same careers portal for job applications.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Woolworths Group Careers and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and subject to annual reviews. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates.