Working at Bunnings Australia
Bunnings is Australia's largest hardware and home improvement retailer, with over 370 stores across the country. It's a popular choice for teenagers looking for retail work in a hands-on environment. Bunnings is known for its friendly team culture, flexible scheduling around school, and opportunities to learn practical skills in hardware, gardening, and DIY.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 16 years
- Average pay (under 18):
- $16-$20/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- Online at careers.bunnings.com.au
- Common teen roles:
- Customer service, garden centre, checkout, click & collect
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Bunnings?
Bunnings hires team members from 16 years old. This is older than supermarkets like Woolworths (14 years 9 months) or Coles (15 years) because hardware stores involve heavier products, potential handling of hazardous materials, and different safety requirements.
Some departments at Bunnings require you to be 18 or older, including the timber yard, forklift operation, trade desk, and handling of restricted products like paints and chemicals. If you're 16 or 17, you'll work in customer-facing roles that don't involve these restrictions.
Here's what you need to know about working at Bunnings in each state:
| State | Bunnings Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 16 years | No permit required for 16+ |
| New South Wales | 16 years | No permit required |
| Queensland | 16 years | No permit required |
| Western Australia | 16 years | No permit required |
| South Australia | 16 years | No permit required |
| Tasmania | 16 years | No permit required |
| ACT | 16 years | No permit required |
| Northern Territory | 16 years | No permit required |
Since Bunnings only hires from age 16, you won't need a work permit in any state (work permits are typically only required for workers under 15). However, standard working hour restrictions for under-18s still apply in most states.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Bunnings?
As a teenager at Bunnings, you'll start in one of the customer-facing roles that don't involve heavy lifting or restricted materials. The specific position you get depends on what's available at your local store. Here are the most common roles for teen workers:
Customer Service Team Member
This is the most common role for teenagers at Bunnings. You'll help customers find products, answer their questions, and walk them to the right aisle. It's a great role if you enjoy talking to people and don't mind being on your feet. You'll learn a lot about hardware and home improvement products, which is useful practical knowledge.
Garden Centre Team Member
Working in the garden centre involves helping customers choose plants, watering and caring for the plants on display, and keeping the outdoor area tidy. This role is popular because it's mostly outdoors and involves lighter products than the main warehouse. If you enjoy being outside and have any interest in gardening, this is a great fit.
Checkout/Service Desk
Working on the registers involves scanning items, handling payments, and helping customers with returns and inquiries. You'll receive training on the POS system and learn how to handle different types of transactions. This role is good if you're comfortable talking to lots of different people throughout your shift.
Click & Collect
This involves picking products for online orders, preparing them for customer pickup, and sometimes loading them into customer vehicles. It's fast-paced and you'll walk around the store a lot, which makes shifts go quickly. This role has grown significantly with the increase in online shopping.
Once you turn 18, additional roles open up including the timber yard, trade desk, and handling of restricted products. Some team members also move into specialist departments or progress to supervisor roles.
How Much Does Bunnings Pay?
Bunnings 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. These rates include the 25% casual loading that most teenage workers receive:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 years | $16-$17/hour | $20-$26/hour |
| 17 years | $19-$20/hour | $24-$30/hour |
| 18 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
| 19 years | $26-$27/hour | $33-$41/hour |
| 20 years | $29-$30/hour | $37-$45/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, often 225% of the base rate for casuals. 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. Bunnings also offers a 10% team member discount, which can be handy if your family does any DIY or gardening projects.
How to Apply for a Job at Bunnings
Bunnings uses an online application system for all positions. Even if you ask about jobs in-store, you'll be directed to apply online. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Bunnings careers website - Go to careers.bunnings.com.au and look for "Team Member" or similar entry-level positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your suburb or postcode to find stores that are currently hiring. Each store hires independently, so you may want to apply to multiple locations near you.
- Create a candidate account - You'll need to set up a profile with your email address. Use an email you check regularly, as this is how they'll contact you about interviews.
- Complete the application form - Fill in your personal details, availability, and answer screening questions about customer service. Be honest about when you can work and mention if you're available on weekends.
- Upload your resume (recommended) - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows initiative. Include any DIY, gardening, or hands-on experience you have.
- 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.
Peak hiring times at Bunnings are September to November (before summer and Christmas) and the start of spring (busy time for the garden centre). Applying during these periods increases your chances of success.
Interview Tips for Bunnings
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Bunnings interviews are usually relaxed and focus on customer service skills and your availability. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress smart casual - neat jeans or chinos with a collared shirt works well. Importantly, wear closed-toe shoes as this is a safety requirement in the store. You don't need to dress formally, but avoid thongs, ripped jeans, or anything too casual.
Common Interview Questions
Bunnings interviews typically include questions like:
- Why do you want to work at Bunnings?
- Tell me about a time you helped someone
- How would you help a customer who can't find what they need?
- What do you know about Bunnings?
- Can you work weekends? What's your availability?
How to Stand Out
Bunnings values a "helping" culture and practical problem-solving. Before your interview, research basic DIY and home improvement terms. If you have any experience helping with projects at home, gardening, or fixing things, mention it. Show enthusiasm for helping customers and emphasize that you're reliable and available to work when needed.
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 training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Bunnings? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 16 years old to apply at Bunnings. If you're younger, consider applying to supermarkets which hire from 14-15 years old.
- 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.Create a basic resume - Include your school, any volunteer work, and highlight any DIY, gardening, or hands-on skills you have.
- 4.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school and other commitments. Being available on weekends significantly increases your chances at Bunnings.
- 5.Learn some basics - Familiarize yourself with common DIY terms and what products Bunnings sells. This will help in your interview.
- 6.Apply online - Visit careers.bunnings.com.au and search for team member positions near you.
- 7.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so Bunnings can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bunnings hires team members from 16 years old. This is older than supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles because hardware stores involve handling heavier products and some restricted materials. Some departments like the timber yard require you to be 18+.
No, Bunnings requires team members to be at least 16 years old. This is due to workplace safety requirements in a hardware store environment. If you're 15, you might want to consider supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles which hire from a younger age.
Teenagers at Bunnings (16-17) typically work in customer service, garden centre, checkout, and click & collect. These roles don't involve heavy lifting or hazardous materials. Roles like timber yard, forklift operation, and handling chemicals require you to be 18+.
Pay at Bunnings is based on the General Retail Industry Award. A 16 year old earns about 50% of the adult casual rate, which works out to approximately $16-$17 per hour on weekdays. Weekend and public holiday rates are higher.
No, Bunnings hires people with no prior work experience for entry-level roles. They provide training on customer service, product knowledge, and safety. Having any DIY, gardening, or hands-on experience can help, but it's not required.
Most applicants hear back within 1-2 weeks if their application is successful. Peak hiring times are September to November before summer and Christmas. If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, you can call the store to politely follow up on your application.
Other Places Hiring at 16+ Years
If you're interested in working at Bunnings, you might also want to check out these other employers who hire people your age:
Other Teen-Friendly Employers
Tip: Apply to multiple places to increase your chances of getting hired. Many teens apply to 3-5 similar employers to find the best fit.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Bunnings 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.