Working at Subway Australia
Subway is the world's largest sandwich chain with over 1,300 stores across Australia. As a franchise business, each store is independently owned and operated, which means hiring practices can vary by location. Subway restaurants are popular first jobs for teenagers because of their flexible hours and straightforward training. Here's everything you need to know about getting a job at Subway.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 14-15 (varies by store)
- Average teen pay:
- $13-$18/hour (junior rates by age)
- How to apply:
- In-store or online via job sites
- Common roles:
- Sandwich Artist (customer service, food prep)
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Subway?
Most Subway stores hire from age 14 or 15, though this varies by individual franchise owner. Since each Subway is independently owned, the store manager decides the minimum age for their location. Some franchisees prefer to hire from 15 or 16 depending on local labour laws and store needs.
If you're under 15, check with your local store about their hiring age. In Victoria, you'll need a Child Employment Permit to work if you're under 15.
| State | Typical Minimum Age | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 14-15 | Yes, under 15 (Child Employment Permit) |
| New South Wales | 14-15 | No |
| Queensland | 14-15 | No |
| Western Australia | 14-15 | No (school-age restrictions apply) |
| South Australia | 14-15 | No |
| Tasmania | 14-15 | No |
| ACT | 14-15 | No |
| Northern Territory | 14-15 | No |
Because Subway is a franchise, hiring ages vary between stores. The best way to find out if your local Subway hires at your age is to visit the store and ask a manager directly.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Subway?
At Subway, the main role for new starters is Sandwich Artist. This is an all-rounder position where you'll learn every aspect of running the store. The job is hands-on and customer-focused, making it a great first job for learning workplace skills.
Sandwich Artist
The core of working at Subway is making sandwiches and salads for customers. You'll greet customers, guide them through their choices, and assemble their order in front of them. This means learning the menu, including all the breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings. You'll also handle wraps, toasted subs, and salads.
Customer Service
Taking orders, answering questions, and processing payments are key parts of the job. You'll use the point-of-sale system to ring up orders and handle cash and card payments. Good communication skills are important because you're interacting with customers throughout their order.
Food Preparation
Before the store opens and during quiet periods, you'll help prepare ingredients. This includes slicing vegetables, baking bread, preparing meats, and restocking the line. Food safety and hygiene are essential - you'll be trained on proper food handling procedures.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping the store clean is everyone's responsibility. You'll wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop floors, clean equipment, empty bins, and keep the customer area tidy. During your shift, you'll continuously clean to maintain health and safety standards.
How Much Does Subway Pay?
Subway pays according to the Fast Food Industry Award, which sets minimum pay rates based on your age. As a junior worker (under 21), you'll earn a percentage of the adult rate. Since Subway stores are franchises, some may pay slightly above award rates, but these are the minimums you can expect.
| Age | Approximate Hourly Rate | % of Adult Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 14 years | $12.94 | 50% |
| 15 years | $13.59 | 50% |
| 16 years | $15.53 | 60% |
| 17 years | $17.12 | 70% |
| 18 years | $20.71 | 80% |
| 19 years | $23.30 | 90% |
| 20 years | $25.89 | 100% |
You'll also earn penalty rates for working evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Saturday rates are typically 125% of your base rate, and Sunday rates are 150%. Public holidays can be up to 250%. If you can work weekends, your overall pay will be higher.
How to Apply for a Job at Subway
Unlike some large chains, Subway doesn't have a centralised online application system. Most stores handle their own hiring, so you'll need to apply directly to your local store. Here's how to do it:
- Find your local Subway stores - Use the store locator at subway.com/en-AU to find Subway restaurants near you. Note down a few locations you could easily get to for work.
- Visit in person or call - The most effective way to apply at Subway is to visit the store during a quiet time (avoid lunch rush between 12-2pm). Ask to speak with the manager and inquire about job openings. Alternatively, call the store to ask if they're hiring.
- Prepare a simple resume - Even if it's your first job, prepare a one-page resume with your contact details, school, availability, and any relevant experience like volunteer work or school activities. Bring printed copies when you visit stores.
- Check online job sites - Some Subway franchisees advertise on job sites like Seek, Indeed, or Jora. Search for "Subway" in your area to see if any stores have active listings. Apply online if available.
- Follow up - If you've dropped off a resume or applied online, follow up after a week if you haven't heard back. A polite phone call shows you're keen and can help your application stand out.
Because each Subway is independently owned, some stores hire frequently while others rarely have openings. If your closest store isn't hiring, try other locations. Managers often share applications between nearby stores.
Interview Tips for Subway
Subway interviews are typically informal and brief. The manager wants to see that you're friendly, reliable, and can work as part of a team. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neat and clean, but don't overdress. Clean jeans or pants with a plain shirt is appropriate. Avoid anything too casual like ripped clothes, thongs, or clothing with offensive logos. Since you'd be handling food, looking tidy and hygienic is important.
Common Interview Questions
Expect questions like: Why do you want to work at Subway? What hours are you available to work? How would you deal with an unhappy customer? Can you describe a time you worked in a team? Tell me about yourself. Think about your answers beforehand but speak naturally - don't recite memorised responses.
What They're Looking For
Subway values friendly personalities, reliability, and teamwork. Show that you're enthusiastic about customer service, can follow instructions, and will show up on time. If you have experience dealing with the public, working with others, or following procedures, mention it - even if it's from school projects or sports teams.
Questions to Ask
Asking thoughtful questions shows genuine interest. Good questions include: How many hours would I typically work per week? What's the training like? What does a typical shift look like? When would I find out about my roster? These show you're serious about the job.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply at Subway? Here's what you need to prepare:
- 1.Check the hiring age at your local store - Subway is a franchise, so minimum ages vary by store. Visit or call to confirm they hire at your age
- 2.Apply for your TFN - You'll need a Tax File Number before you start work. Apply now as it takes a few weeks to arrive
- 3.Set up a bank account - Subway pays directly into your bank account, so you'll need your BSB and account number ready
- 4.Check if you need a work permit - In Victoria, under-15s need a Child Employment Permit. Check your state's requirements
- 5.Work out your availability - Know which days and times you can work around school. Be honest about when you're available
- 6.Prepare a simple resume - Include your contact details, school, availability, and any relevant experience or skills
- 7.Learn about superannuation - Your employer will pay super into an account for you. Understand how it works before you start
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Subway stores hire from age 14 or 15, but this varies by location since each store is independently owned. Some franchisees prefer to hire from 16. The best way to find out is to ask your local store directly.
No, you don't need any previous work experience. Subway provides full training for all new team members. They specifically train you on food preparation, customer service, and safety procedures. Many Subway employees start with no prior work experience.
Subway pays according to the Fast Food Industry Award with junior rates based on your age. At 14-15, expect around $13-14 per hour. At 16, around $15-16 per hour. At 17, around $17-18 per hour. Weekend shifts attract higher penalty rates.
Your hours depend on your age and state regulations. Generally, under-15s have more restrictions on late nights and school hours. Most teen workers do shifts after school, on weekends, and during school holidays. Subway managers usually work around school schedules.
Sandwich Artists make sandwiches and salads for customers, following Subway's recipes and techniques. You'll greet customers, take them through their order, prepare food in front of them, handle payments, keep the store clean, and prep ingredients. It's a hands-on role with lots of customer interaction.
The best way is to visit your local Subway during a quiet time and ask the manager if they're hiring. Bring a printed resume if you have one. You can also check job sites like Seek and Indeed for Subway listings in your area, as some franchisees post jobs online.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Pay rates are based on the Fair Work Fast Food Industry Award. Subway stores are independently owned franchises. Visit subway.com/en-AU to find your local store for specific hiring requirements.. Subway is a franchise business. Pay rates, hiring ages, and policies are set by individual store owners and may vary.