Working at McDonald's Australia
McDonald's (Maccas, as we call it) is the largest employer of teenagers in Australia. With over 1,000 restaurants across the country, they hire thousands of young people each year for their first jobs. If you're 14 or older and looking for work, Maccas is one of the most reliable places to start.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age to work:
- 14 years (most states)
- Average junior pay:
- $13-$18/hour (depends on age)
- How to apply:
- Online at careers.mcdonalds.com.au
- Typical roles:
- Crew Member, McCafe Barista
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at McDonald's?
McDonald's hires from age 14 in most parts of Australia, making it one of the best options for teenagers looking for their first job. However, the exact minimum age and any permit requirements depend on which state you live in.
| State | Minimum Age | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 14 years | Yes, for under 15s (Child Employment Permit) |
| New South Wales | 14 years 9 months (some stores) | No |
| Queensland | 14 years 9 months | No |
| Western Australia | 14 years | No |
| South Australia | 14 years | No |
| Tasmania | 14 years | No |
| ACT | 14 years | No |
| Northern Territory | 14 years | No |
Note that individual franchise owners may have their own policies, so some stores might only hire from 15 even if the state allows 14. If you're 14, it's worth applying to multiple locations.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at McDonald's?
McDonald's has several roles available for teenagers, depending on the store's needs and your age. All new hires start as Crew Members and can progress from there.
Crew Member
This is the standard entry-level position and what most teenagers are hired for. As a Crew Member, you'll rotate between different stations including the front counter, drive-through, kitchen (cooking and assembling burgers), and cleaning. You'll be trained on all areas so you can work wherever the store needs you. This variety actually makes the job more interesting than doing just one thing.
McCafe Barista
Some larger McDonald's stores have a dedicated McCafe section where you can specialise in making coffees, smoothies, and other drinks. This role usually requires a bit more experience, so you might start as a regular Crew Member and move into McCafe after a few months. It's good barista training if you're interested in coffee.
What You Won't Be Doing (Yet)
There are some tasks teenagers can't do for safety or legal reasons. You won't be using deep fryers (hot oil) until you're older in some states, and you won't be working super late shifts. Management roles like Shift Supervisor require you to be 18 or older. But as a Crew Member, you'll still do plenty of varied work.
How Much Does McDonald's Pay?
McDonald's pays according to the Fast Food Industry Award, which sets minimum wages. As a junior (under 21), your pay is a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. Here are the approximate hourly rates for Crew Members as of 2025:
| Age | Approximate Hourly Rate | % of Adult Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 14 years | $12.88 | 50% |
| 15 years | $13.91 | 54% |
| 16 years | $15.46 | 60% |
| 17 years | $17.52 | 68% |
| 18 years | $20.61 | 80% |
| 19 years | $23.71 | 92% |
| 20+ years | $25.75 | 100% |
These rates go up each July when the Fair Work Commission updates minimum wages. You'll also get penalty rates for working weekends, public holidays, and late nights, which can significantly boost your pay. A Saturday shift pays about 25% more than a weekday shift.
How to Apply for a Job at McDonald's
McDonald's has moved almost entirely to online applications. Walking in with a resume might still work at some stores, but the online system is the main way they hire now. Here's how to apply:
- Visit the McDonald's careers website - Go to careers.mcdonalds.com.au and click on "Restaurant Jobs"
- Search for stores near you - Enter your suburb or postcode. You'll see a list of McDonald's locations that are currently hiring. Apply to several stores to increase your chances.
- Create an account and fill in the application - You'll need to enter your personal details, availability, and answer some basic questions. Be honest about when you can work - they appreciate flexibility, but they'd rather know your real availability upfront.
- Complete the online assessment - McDonald's includes a short questionnaire about customer service scenarios. There are no trick questions; just answer honestly about how you'd handle common situations.
- Wait for a response - If your application is successful, the store will call you (or your parent if you're under 16) to arrange an interview. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
- Attend the interview - Interviews are usually held at the store and are quite relaxed. A manager will ask about your availability, why you want the job, and get a sense of your personality.
If you don't hear back within two weeks, it's perfectly acceptable to call the store and politely ask about your application status. This shows initiative.
Interview Tips for McDonald's
McDonald's interviews aren't scary. They know you might not have any work experience, and they're mainly looking to see if you're friendly, reliable, and can work in a team. Here's how to prepare:
Common Interview Questions
- Why do you want to work at McDonald's? - Good answers mention wanting to earn money, learn customer service skills, work in a team, or fit around school. Don't pretend you're passionate about burgers; be genuine.
- What are your availabilities? - Be specific. They want to know which days and times you can work. Weekends are usually busiest, so being available then helps.
- How would you handle an angry customer? - They want to see that you'd stay calm, listen to the customer, apologise if appropriate, and get a manager if needed. Don't say you'd argue back.
- Can you tell us about yourself? - Keep it brief. Mention your school, any hobbies, and what kind of person you are (reliable, friendly, quick learner, etc.).
What to Bring
Bring proof of your age (birth certificate, passport, or student ID with date of birth) and your Tax File Number if you have one. If you're in Victoria and under 15, you'll need your Child Employment Permit before you can actually start work, but you don't need it for the interview.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at McDonald's? Here's what you need:
- 1.Check you're old enough - Use the table above to confirm you meet the minimum age for your state. If you're 14, McDonald's is one of your best options.
- 2.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you start work. Without a TFN, you'll be taxed at the highest rate and take home much less money.
- 3.Get your documents ready - You'll need proof of age and the right to work in Australia. A passport or birth certificate plus student ID usually works.
- 4.Check permit requirements - If you're in Victoria and under 15, your parent will need to apply for a Child Employment Permit once you get a job offer.
- 5.Apply online - Visit careers.mcdonalds.com.au and apply to several stores near you to increase your chances.
- 6.Set up a bank account - You'll need one for your pay. Most Australian banks have free accounts for students, and your parent can help you set this up.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most Australian states, you can work at McDonald's from age 14. However, some states like Victoria require a work permit for under-15s, and Queensland has different rules. The minimum age varies slightly by location and franchise owner.
No, McDonald's is famous for hiring people with no work experience. They provide comprehensive training for all new crew members. Many Australians get their first job at Maccas precisely because they don't require previous experience.
McDonald's pays junior rates based on your age. At 14-15, you'll earn around $13-14 per hour. At 16, it increases to about $15 per hour, and at 17 it's around $17 per hour. Once you turn 18, you get the full adult rate. Rates increase slightly each year.
McDonald's follows state laws for working hours. Generally, during school term, you're limited to a few hours on school days (usually after 3pm) and more on weekends. During school holidays, you can work more hours. Stores are flexible with school schedules.
It typically takes 1-2 weeks to hear back after submitting an online application. If you haven't heard anything after 2 weeks, it's appropriate to call the store or visit in person to follow up. Busy periods like school holidays may mean faster responses.
Wear neat, casual clothes - think clean jeans or trousers with a plain shirt or polo. You don't need to dress formally, but avoid ripped clothes, heavy makeup, or strong perfume. Looking tidy shows you understand the hygiene standards of food service.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Pay rates are based on the Fast Food Industry Award and are updated annually in July. Individual stores may have slight variations in hiring age based on franchise owner policies. For the most current pay rates, see 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.