This report examines hourly earnings among Australian youth. The influences on hourly earnings were analysed in three sections. The first presents the correlation between earnings and social background, school factors, qualifications and labour market history. The second part models earnings using a four step procedure adding, sequentially, social and demographic background factors. school factors, qualifications and Year 12 completion, and employment history. The final section focuses on aging and cohort effects by examining the inmpact on hourly earnings of gender, schooling, qualifications and work experiences at particular ages.