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Why Australians are looking to hospitality for extra income

Hospitality Courses Australia

Australians are increasingly juggling more than one job, with new figures showing the number of multiple job-holders has reached a record high, and hospitality could offer a practical option for workers looking to supplement their income.

According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures there were 1 million multiple job-holders in Australia in June 2026, representing 6.9 per cent of all employed people.

That is the highest multiple job-holding rate recorded by the ABS and an increase from 984,200 people in March. Before the pandemic, the rate had remained between 5 and 6 per cent for around 25 years.

The statistics also indicate women were more likely to hold multiple jobs than men, at 7.7 per cent compared with 6.2 per cent, while the trend was particularly pronounced among younger Australians. 

More than one in 10 employed 20 to 24-year-olds (11.2 per cent) were working multiple jobs.

Hospitality Courses Australia director Samuel Bohr said hospitality could be worth considering for people looking for work that may fit around an existing job, university or other commitments.

“Hospitality has traditionally attracted people looking for casual, evening and weekend work, and those characteristics can also make it an option for someone looking for a second source of income,” Mr Bohr said.

“You might have someone working in an office during the week who picks up restaurant shifts on weekends, a university student working around their classes, or a parent looking for additional work at times that fit around their other commitments.

“For people considering taking on a second job, the hospitality industry can offer a range of different roles across restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, hotels and other venues.”

ABS Labour Account data shows the accommodation and food services sector had around 1.35 million jobs in the June quarter of 2026, including approximately 126,000 secondary jobs.

The latest ABS data also provides some insight into what working a second job can look like. In March 2026, multiple job-holders worked an average of 30 hours a week in their main job and another 9.3 hours across their secondary jobs.

The ABS notes that people can take on multiple jobs for a variety of reasons, including when their main job does not provide enough wages or hours, or when additional work is available at different times, such as on weekends.

Getting ready for a hospitality job

However, Mr Bohr said people considering hospitality as a second job should check whether they need specific training before applying.

“The training you need really depends on what you will be doing and the state or territory where you intend to work,” he said.

“For example, if you want to work behind a bar or in another role that involves serving alcohol, you will generally need to complete Responsible Service of Alcohol training.

“If your role involves gaming duties, you may need Responsible Conduct of Gambling or Responsible Service of Gambling training, depending on the state.”

Food preparation and handling roles can also have food safety training requirements, so it pays to understand what applies to the job you are targeting before you start applying.

“You don't necessarily need every hospitality certificate available,” Mr Bohr said.

“Start with the job. If you want to pick up a couple of bar shifts on Friday and Saturday nights, look at the RSA requirements where you live. If you're interested in working in a pub or club and the role includes gaming duties, you may need responsible gambling training as well.

“For someone looking at café, restaurant or catering work, food safety training may be more relevant.

“The important thing is to understand the role you're applying for and make sure you have the training required to do it.”

With the ABS figures showing one million Australians are now working more than one job, Mr Bohr said hospitality could provide another avenue for people exploring ways to supplement their existing employment.

“A second job isn't going to suit everybody, and people obviously need to consider the impact of additional hours on their own circumstances,” he said.

“But for someone who has the capacity and wants to earn additional income, hospitality is an industry worth considering.

“A few evening or weekend shifts can potentially be worked around an existing schedule, and getting the appropriate training can be the first step towards opening up those opportunities.”

Hospitality Courses Australia provides hospitality training including RSA, RCG/RSG, Food Handler and Food Safety Supervisor courses. Course availability, delivery methods and regulatory requirements vary by state and location.

ENDS

 

About us:

Hospitality Courses Australia (RTO 41072) is a leading provider of  nationally recognised hospitality training, including RSA, RSG/RCG, Food Handler and Food Safety Supervisor courses.

 

Contact details:

For more information, visit Hospitality Courses Australia.
Or contact Samuel Bohr
Director Hospitality Courses Australia
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 1300 677 191