Car Wash Work Opportunities for Students in Australia: Getting a part-time job is a frequent option for overseas students studying in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to support themselves financially and obtain work experience. Car wash facilities frequently provide easily accessible entry-level employment.
An overview of the prerequisites, rules, and other relevant details for students thinking about working at car wash facilities in several nations may be found in this article.
Car Wash Jobs and Skill Shortages
Car wash occupations are often not included in these nations’ skill shortage lists. These jobs usually need little training and experience, and they are filled by easily accessible workers. Regional differences in labor supply, however, might happen, and certain companies can have trouble hiring, particularly in times of low unemployment or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects.
Part-Time Work Regulations for International Students in 2024
Here we listed regulations of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and US for allowing their students to work part time:
1# Australia
International students on a student visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study periods. During scheduled course breaks, there are no restrictions on working hours. Car wash jobs are accessible to students within these regulations.
2# New Zealand
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Car wash stations are a viable option for part-time work under these conditions.
3# Canada
International students in Canada can work on-campus for unlimited hours. For off-campus work, including car wash jobs, students can work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided their study permit includes work authorization.
4# USA
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work at places like car wash stations requires specific authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), with approval from the Designated School Official (DSO).
Average Salaries at Car Wash Stations in 2024
Following are the average pay rates per hour for car wash jobs in these four countries in 2024:
- Australia Average Hourly Wage: AU$25 – AU$35
- New Zealand Average Hourly Rate: NZ$20 – NZ$28
- Canada Average Hourly Rate:CA$15 – CA$20
- USA Average Hourly Rate: US$12 – US$18
List of Skills Needed for Car Wash Jobs in 2024
- Vehicle Cleaning Techniques: Proper car washing and drying methods.
- Equipment Operation: Safe use of car wash machinery and tools.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to handle the physical demands of the job.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring thorough cleaning of vehicles.
- Time Management: Efficient task completion.
- Basic Mechanical Knowledge: Understanding basic car components.
Work Visa and Permit Requirements for these jobs
- Australia and New Zealand: No separate work permit is required for students working within the allowed hours under their student visa.
- Canada: International students need to check their study permit conditions. Some permits allow part-time work without a separate permit.
- USA: On-campus work is permitted without a separate permit, but off-campus work requires specific authorization (OPT or CPT).
Other Part-Time Job Alternatives to Car Wash Work Opportunities
International students may also consider other part-time job options, including:
- Retail and Customer Service: Sales associate, cashier, customer service representative.
- Food Service and Hospitality: Waiter/waitress, barista, kitchen hand.
- Tutoring and Education: Tutor, language instructor, teaching assistant.
- Other Options: Delivery driver, warehouse worker, cleaner, library assistant
