If you are looking for part-time factory jobs in Australia, there are opportunities across manufacturing, production, packaging, warehousing, assembly and food processing. These jobs can suit students, parents, people seeking flexible work, and anyone who wants to earn an income without committing to a full-time schedule.
Current job listings show part-time manufacturing roles in different parts of Australia. For example, recent listings have included assembly positions offering around $35–$39 per hour, depending on the role and employer.
What Are Part-Time Factory Jobs?
Part-time factory employees generally work fewer hours than full-time employees while following an agreed work schedule. Depending on the factory, shifts may be available during the day, evening or sometimes overnight.
Common part-time factory positions include:
- Production worker
- Factory hand
- Assembly worker
- Packing and packaging worker
- Machine operator
- Process worker
- Food production worker
- Quality control assistant
- Warehouse and dispatch worker
- Manufacturing assistant
The exact duties and qualifications vary between employers.
Popular Types of Factory Work
1. Assembly Jobs
Assembly workers put together products or components, inspect finished items and prepare products for packaging. These roles can be suitable for people who have good attention to detail and can follow workplace instructions.
2. Packing and Packaging
Packaging workers prepare products for shipment or sale. Duties can include packing boxes, labelling products, checking quantities and keeping the work area organised.
3. Production Work
Production workers may operate equipment, move materials, monitor production lines and perform quality checks. Some employers provide on-the-job training.
4. Food Manufacturing
Food manufacturing businesses employ workers for food preparation, processing, packing and cleaning. Employees may need to follow strict hygiene and safety procedures.
5. Warehouse and Dispatch
Some factories combine manufacturing with warehouse operations. Part-time workers may help receive stock, pick orders, pack products and prepare goods for delivery.
How Much Can Part-Time Factory Workers Earn?
Pay depends on the industry, job classification, experience, shift and applicable award or enterprise agreement.
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for eligible adult employees who are award- and agreement-free. Award-covered employees have minimum rates determined by the relevant award, and those rates increased by 4.75% from July 2026.
Manufacturing workers may be covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, which contains separate minimum rates and provisions for part-time and casual employees.
Casual employees generally receive a casual loading instead of certain paid leave entitlements. The applicable rate should always be checked against the relevant award or employment agreement.
What Skills Do You Need?
Many entry-level factory jobs do not require extensive previous experience. Employers may look for:
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication
- Attention to detail
- Physical fitness for roles involving standing or lifting
- Ability to follow safety procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Basic English and numeracy skills
Some positions may require a forklift licence, machinery experience, food-handling knowledge or other specific qualifications.
Where to Find Part-Time Factory Jobs
Online job boards are one of the easiest ways to search for current vacancies. Search terms such as “part-time factory worker,” “production worker,” “assembly worker,” “packing jobs,” and “manufacturing jobs” can help you find relevant positions.
You can also search by location, such as:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Newcastle
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Darwin
Job seekers should check the employer’s requirements, location, working hours, pay rate and employment type before applying.
Tips for Getting a Factory Job
Create a simple resume that highlights your previous work experience, availability, relevant licences and practical skills. If you have worked in warehouses, retail, hospitality, construction, cleaning or production before, mention transferable skills such as teamwork, reliability and following procedures.
When applying, clearly state the days and hours you are available. This is particularly useful for employers looking for workers who can consistently cover specific shifts.
Check Your Employment Rights
Before accepting a job, check the applicable minimum pay rate and employment conditions. Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman provides current pay guides covering full-time, part-time and casual employees under different awards.
Make sure you understand your hourly rate, ordinary hours, overtime or penalty rates where applicable, breaks, leave entitlements and whether the position is part-time or casual.
Final Thoughts
Part-time factory jobs in Australia can provide a practical way to earn money while maintaining a flexible schedule. Opportunities are available in assembly, production, packaging, food manufacturing and related warehouse roles.
If you are searching for work, compare several vacancies, check the employment conditions carefully and tailor your resume to the requirements of each position. With reliability, a good work attitude and the right skills or licences, entry-level factory work can also provide valuable experience for future manufacturing and logistics careers.