McDonald's Careers in 2025: How to Apply, Salaries, and Benefits

Why Work at McDonald's in 2025

McDonald's, affectionately called "Macca's" in Australia, is a powerhouse employer, with over 1,000 restaurants and more than 100,000 employees nationwide. It's a go-to for students, career changers, and those seeking flexible work, with about 70% of restaurant staff being students. The company champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming workplace. Plus, McDonald's invests heavily in employee development, offering nationally recognized qualifications in retail and food service, as well as internal scholarships. According to a McDonald's Australia employee, "Macca's offers a supportive environment, top-notch training, and real career growth." Interested in other retail giants? Check out our guide to Woolworths careers or explore more job tips on our career blog.

Application Process

Applying to McDonald's in 2025 is a breeze through their careers website. Start by searching for roles and submitting an online application, guided by Olivia, McDonald's Virtual Recruiting Assistant. The process includes an initial screening to check your fit, followed by in-person or virtual interviews focusing on teamwork and customer service. Applicants over 18 undergo a criminal background check for safety, as noted by Australian National Character Check. To shine, highlight retail or customer service experience and prep for behavioral questions about handling busy shifts. A Reddit user advises, "Be ready to talk about stress management during peak hours—it's a common question." Need a standout application? Use our Resume Builder to craft a winning resume, or explore KFC jobs for more fast-food career tips.

Available Roles at McDonald's

McDonald's offers a variety of roles to suit different career goals:

• Crew Member: Entry-level, handling orders, food prep, and customer service—perfect for students with flexible hours.
• Shift Manager: Oversees shifts, ensures quality service, and supervises crew.
• Restaurant Manager: Manages profitability, staff, and operations.
• Corporate Roles: Includes Finance, HR, Marketing, and Operations, supporting restaurant success.
• Graduate Programs: Structured paths for recent grads in areas like Property, Finance, and Technology.

Many employees start as Crew Members and climb to management, as shared on Glassdoor. Curious about other retail roles? See our guide to Coles jobs or retail careers for more options.

Salaries and Benefits

McDonald's offers competitive pay and perks in 2025. Crew Members earn around AU$27.20 per hour, while Cooks average AU$35.71 per hour, though specialized roles may reach higher, per Indeed. Salaried roles include Fry Cooks at about AU$44,816 annually and Directors up to AU$126,790. Benefits, as outlined on McDonald's careers page, include:

• 20% off meals, a fan favorite on Reddit.
• Flexible scheduling for students and parents.
• Performance reviews and recognition programs.
• Training and nationally recognized qualifications.

A Reddit user raved, "The 50% discount at my store and 20% elsewhere is a game-changer!" For more on retail pay, check out ALDI careers or our high-paying jobs guide.

Opportunities for International Applicants

International applicants need a valid visa with work rights, as McDonald's typically doesn't sponsor visas, per McDonald's UK policy, which aligns with Australia. Highlight retail or customer service experience and show familiarity with Australian workplace culture. Ensure all visa documentation is current for verification. McDonald's is a top employer for international students, as noted on Student Job Board. For more on visa-sponsored roles, explore nursing jobs or our remote jobs guide.

Career Progression at McDonald's

McDonald's offers clear pathways from Crew Member to management, with training and leadership programs to support growth. Many Managers started as crew, as highlighted on McDonald's careers page. Performance-based promotions and traineeships boost career prospects. A Reddit user shared, "I went from Crew to Shift Manager with great training." Glassdoor reviews praise transferable skills gained. Interested in management? See our operations manager guide or HR careers for related paths.

Resources for Applicants

The McDonald's careers website is your hub for job listings, application guides, and FAQs. Olivia, the Virtual Recruiting Assistant, provides real-time support. Reddit users suggest leveraging these resources for a smooth process. Need help crafting your application? Try our Resume Builder or check out customer service jobs for similar roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a degree to become a graphic designer in Australia? A Bachelor's in Graphic Design is preferred, but relevant experience and a strong portfolio can suffice for many roles.
• What tools are essential for graphic design jobs? Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Canva, and collaboration tools like Slack and Trello are key.
• Can international designers work in Australia? Yes, with visas like Skilled Nominated (190) or remote freelance roles via platforms like Upwork.
• What's the salary for a junior graphic designer? Junior designers earn $55,000–$70,000 annually, depending on location and role.