Discover industries – Accommodation and Food Services

This industry provides good entry-level jobs across Australia with options to train and grow into senior roles. Part-time employment is also common, making it an attractive option for people with other responsibilities.

A bartender in a white shirt and blue apron, hanging wine glasses

Featured industry

This is a large industry in Australia with many part-time employment opportunities.

View top 10 occupations in this industry

About Accommodation and Food Services 

Accommodation and Food Services is a large industry with many entry-level jobs. The industry includes: 

  • short-term accommodation providers 

  • cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services 

  • pubs, taverns, bars and clubs 

  • clubs providing hospitality services to members. 

On-the-job training is common, and many workers do not have post-school qualifications. A quarter of workers have a vocational education and training (VET) qualification.

Part-time work is common, making it an attractive option for people who want to combine work and study. 

Source: Labour Market Insights, Jan 2024

Workforce share in Australia

Percentage of workers who have their main job in this industry. 

6.8 %
Employed in Australia

The number of people this industry employs in Australia. 

944,967
Industry growth in Australia

This is the projected amount this industry will grow by in Australia over the next 5 years. 

6.3 %

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), Employment Projections, May 2023.

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Current and future employment in Australia

See how Australia's Accommodation and Food Services industry is projected to grow by 12.5% over a 10-year period compared to an average Australian industry growth rate of 14.2%.

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Largest employing occupations

This table shows the top-10 occupations in Accommodation and Food Services by employment numbers. 

Waiter
Kitchenhand
Bar Attendants and Baristas
Sales Assistant (General)
Chef
Cafe or Restaurant Manager
Fast Food Cook
Retail Managers
Cafe Worker
Cook

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2021

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