Working in the Sunshine Coast: A Local’s Guide for Lexis Students
If you’re studying at Lexis Sunshine Coast, chances are you’re also thinking about work. Not just to help with rent or groceries, but to get local experience, meet people, and be part of everyday life in Maroochydore.
The good news? This is one of the most work-friendly study locations in Australia. There’s a steady year-round demand for casual and part-time staff, plenty of variety beyond just cafés and restaurants, and everything is within easy walking distance from the school.
Let’s break down what it’s really like to live, study and work here.
Where are the jobs in Maroochydore?
The Lexis campus sits right in the centre of Maroochydore, surrounded by job opportunities. A five-minute walk will get you to Sunshine Plaza, the region’s biggest shopping centre, packed with retail outlets, cinemas, supermarkets and food courts that always need casual staff. A few blocks in the other direction takes you to Ocean Street, which is full of restaurants, bars, clubs and night venues. Perfect if you’re looking for hospitality shifts.
Unlike more seasonal towns, the Sunshine Coast keeps moving all year. Sure, there’s a good bump in summer, but there’s no serious drop-off in winter. This means more stable job availability and a better chance to keep your hours consistent no matter when you arrive.
Students here work in more than just cafés. You’ll find roles in retail, childcare, delivery services, cleaning, aged care, admin and customer service. The Sunshine Coast is growing fast, and local employers are open to hiring friendly, reliable students, especially if you’re keen to learn.
What visa do I need to work while studying?
If you’re on a Student Visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course, and full-time during breaks. That’s enough for two or three good shifts a week. If you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, you’ve got full working rights, so you can pick up more hours and choose from a wider range of jobs.
Just remember that employers need to pay you legally. That means an hourly wage, superannuation and proper payslips. Most jobs around here follow the rules, but if something seems too good to be true, check with the Lexis team. Working in the Sunshine Coast, jobs will pay between $25 and $35 per hour, with a little more for office-based positions. Pay increases substantially if you’re working at night or on Sundays.
If you’re here on a Tourist Visa, you’re not allowed to work. No exceptions.
How do students find jobs here?
You’ll hear this more than once. In Maroochydore, showing up in person still works. If you’ve got your resume ready and a bit of confidence, walk into places on Ocean Street or Sunshine Plaza and introduce yourself. Employers remember people who make the effort, and they are happy to employ Lexis students.
That said, a lot of students also get jobs through the Lexis Sunshine Coast Facebook group. It’s updated daily with local job leads, from café work to cleaning gigs to dog walking. Others find work through classmates, teachers or our on-campus job support workshops.
There’s no magic formula to working in the Sunshine Coast. But being proactive, speaking clearly and showing that you’re ready to learn goes a long way here. Don’t forget to ask the school staff for their help!
What kind of training helps?
Students who complete the Barista or Bar and Cocktail courses at Lexis tend to find work faster. Employers like seeing that you’ve got some hands-on skills and understand how an Australian café or bar operates. These courses are short, practical, and built specifically for students looking to get hired locally.
Barista training is ideal if you’re aiming at daytime work in cafés, while the bar course prepares you for evenings and weekends in clubs or pubs. You’ll also get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate during the bar course, which is required for almost every hospitality role in Queensland.
But remember, hospitality is only one piece of the puzzle. With the right attitude, students also find work in clothing stores, gyms, call centres, salons, construction, cleaning and even real estate offices.
What do students say about working in Maroochydore?
One Brazilian student described her job at a clothing store in Sunshine Plaza as like going to class, but for fashion. She picked up new vocabulary every shift and made close friends with her local coworkers. A German student worked as a kitchen hand during the week, then helped run boat tours on weekends. Another student from Korea found a casual admin job at a local dentist, answering phones and helping with bookings.
That’s the thing about working here. It’s not just about money. Working in the Sunshine Coast is also about joining the community, building your confidence and seeing a side of the Sunshine Coast that tourists don’t.
So, is the Sunshine Coast a good place to study and work?
Absolutely. It’s walkable, welcoming and has a broader mix of jobs than most beachside towns. Working in the Sunshine Coast doesn’t mean you’re stuck washing dishes or cleaning hotel rooms. There’s a real chance to find work that suits your schedule and your interests.
And when your shift ends, the beach is still right there waiting for you.
