Working at Target Australia
Target is a popular Australian department store known for affordable fashion, homewares, and family products. With stores in shopping centres across the country, Target offers a clean, air-conditioned work environment that's ideal for teenagers looking for their first retail job. They're owned by Wesfarmers (the same company that owns Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks) and are known for flexible scheduling around school.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 15 years
- Average pay (under 18):
- $13-$20/hour (varies by age)
- How to apply:
- Online at target.com.au/careers
- Common teen roles:
- Sales floor, checkout, stockroom, visual merchandising
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Target?
Target hires team members from 15 years old. This is standard for department store retailers in Australia. You'll 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 work.
Here's what you need to know about working at Target in each state:
| State | Target Min Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 15 years | Work permit required if under 15 |
| New South Wales | 15 years | No permit required |
| Queensland | 15 years | No permit required |
| Western Australia | 15 years | No permit required (restrictions apply under 15) |
| South Australia | 15 years | No permit required |
| Tasmania | 15 years | No permit required |
| ACT | 15 years | No permit required |
| Northern Territory | 15 years | No permit required |
Target is a Wesfarmers-owned company with established training programs for young workers. You don't need any prior retail experience to apply for entry-level positions.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Target?
As a teenager at Target, 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:
Sales Floor Team Member
This is one of the most common roles for teenagers at Target. You'll help customers find products, answer questions about items, maintain store presentation by folding clothes and tidying shelves, and restock items on the sales floor. You might also work in the fitting room area, helping customers and managing returned items.
Checkout/Service Team Member
Working on the registers involves processing customer transactions, handling cash and card payments, and providing customer service. You'll also handle Click & Collect orders and process returns and exchanges. Target provides training on their POS system and cash handling procedures.
Stockroom/Replenishment
This involves unpacking deliveries, sorting stock for the sales floor, and organising the stockroom. You may also help prepare Click & Collect orders. Stockroom shifts are often available during school holidays when stores receive more deliveries.
Visual Merchandising Support
Target is more fashion-focused than some other retailers, so presentation is important. In this role, you'll help set up displays, place signage, and assist with seasonal changeovers. It's a good fit if you have an eye for detail and enjoy making things look appealing.
Note that opening and closing shifts are typically given to staff aged 18 and over. As a teenager, you'll usually work after-school shifts (around 4pm to close) or weekend shifts.
How Much Does Target Pay?
Target 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years | $13-$14/hour | $16-$20/hour |
| 16 years | $16-$17/hour | $20-$25/hour |
| 17 years | $19-$20/hour | $24-$30/hour |
| 18 years | $22-$23/hour | $28-$35/hour |
| 19 years | $26-$27/hour | $33-$40/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 (around 225% 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. Target also offers a team member discount (typically around 10% off) which can help stretch your pay further when shopping for clothes and homewares.
How to Apply for a Job at Target
Target uses an online application system through their careers portal. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Target careers website - Go to target.com.au/careers or careers.wesfarmers.com.au and look for "Team Member" or "Sales Assistant" positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your suburb or postcode to find 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 about customer service. 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.
Best times to apply: Target does most of their hiring in September-November for Christmas casuals. This is the best time to apply. They also hire in January for post-Christmas sales and around school holiday periods when they need extra staff.
If you haven't heard back after two weeks, you can visit the store and politely ask about your application. This shows genuine interest and can help your application get noticed.
Interview Tips for Target
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview at the store. Target interviews are usually relaxed and focus on your availability and customer service skills. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress in smart casual clothing. Target is more fashion-focused than some other retailers, so looking presentable matters. Clean jeans or chinos with a collared shirt or nice top works well. Avoid ripped jeans, thongs, or anything too casual. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Common Interview Questions
Target interviews typically include questions like:
- Why do you want to work at Target?
- Tell me about a time you helped a customer or someone in need
- How would you handle a difficult customer situation?
- What do you know about Target?
- What's your availability like? Can you work weekends and school holidays?
- Describe a time you worked as part of a team
What to Know About Target
Target focuses on "fashion at the best price" and is known for affordable fashion, homewares, and family products. Unlike Big W or Kmart (which focus more on discount variety), Target has a stronger fashion focus. Mention this in your interview to show you understand what makes Target different. Also know that Target Australia is owned by Wesfarmers (an Australian company) and is not related to Target USA.
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 start your training before your first shift.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Target? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 15 years old to apply. If you're 14, you'll need to wait until your 15th birthday.
- 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 much more attractive to Target.
- 6.Apply online - Visit target.com.au/careers 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 Target can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Target Australia hires team members from 15 years old. This applies to most stores across Australia, though some states have additional requirements like work permits for under-15s in Victoria.
No, Target's minimum hiring age is 15 years old. If you're 14, you'll need to wait until your 15th birthday before you can apply. In the meantime, you could focus on building skills through volunteer work or school activities.
Teenagers at Target typically work on the sales floor helping customers, at checkout processing transactions, in the stockroom unpacking deliveries, or supporting visual merchandising. As you gain experience, you may get more responsibility in these areas.
Pay at Target 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, Target hires people with no prior work experience for entry-level positions. They provide training on their systems, customer service, and store processes. Having a positive attitude and good availability is more important than experience.
No, Target Australia is a completely separate company from Target USA. Target Australia is owned by Wesfarmers, an Australian company that also owns Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks. The two companies share a name but have no business connection.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Target Australia Careers, Wesfarmers 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.