Top Melbourne Suburbs with Highest Part-Time Worker Population

Rowan Ashford

Published: February 15, 2026 9:42 PM ET

Melbourne’s employment trends reveal significant disparities among its suburbs, particularly regarding part-time work. A recent analysis of census data highlights the neighborhoods with the highest part-time worker populations.

Top Melbourne Suburbs with Highest Part-Time Worker Population

Parkville: 48.6% of workers employed part-time
Clayton: 48% part-time employment
Carlton: 45% part-time workforce
Burwood: 42.3% part-timers
Bundoora: 40% employed part-time

These suburbs are notably home to a large student population, primarily from nearby universities. Jago Dodson, an urban economist from RMIT, suggests that this concentration of students correlates with increased part-time job opportunities.

Contrasting Inner-City Employment Trends

In contrast, inner-city areas like Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Richmond demonstrate a higher prevalence of full-time employment. Dodson indicates that these neighborhoods are likely populated by a larger number of white-collar professionals and skilled migrants.

The employment landscape shifts noticeably as one moves further from the city center. Regions such as South Yarra, Prahran, and Windsor feature fewer students and a higher ratio of well-educated residents living in rental accommodation.

The Impact of Housing Costs

The high cost of living in these inner suburbs also plays a critical role in employment dynamics. Robert Hall, chief economist at Informed Decisions, notes that many households rely on dual full-time incomes to cope with expenses. Consequently, there are fewer families with children in these areas.

Outer suburbs, like Mickleham, Wallan, and Beveridge, are characterized by a greater number of young families. These areas tend to offer jobs primarily in sectors such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality, which traditionally employ a higher share of part-time workers.

Coastal Employment Trends

The Mornington Peninsula stands out with notably higher part-time worker rates, driven by tourism and a semi-retired demographic. Key towns include:

Mount Eliza: 40.6% part-time
Mornington: 40.4% part-time
Mount Martha: 42.1% part-time
Safety Beach: 41.5% part-time
Dromana: 42.6% part-time
Rosebud and Rye: 44.8% part-time each

The tourism industry contributes significantly to the employment landscape, attracting both younger and older workers seeking part-time opportunities.

In terms of specific job roles, crossing supervisors represent the highest ratio of part-time workers at 98.7%. Other notable occupations include sports umpires, newspaper deliverers, bussers, and swimming coaches, all showing high percentages of part-time employment.

These statistics were derived from the census conducted in August 2021. Despite potential COVID-19 impacts, the data provides valuable insights into Melbourne’s diverse working landscape.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on employment trends in Melbourne, visit Filmogaz.com.