Aldi Pay Rates 2026: Why Aldi Pays Above Award

Aldi operates under an enterprise agreement (EA) that sets pay rates above the General Retail Industry Award minimum. Where Coles and Woolworths workers might get the award minimum of $27.81/hr, Aldi store assistants typically earn more.

The reason is simple: Aldi runs with fewer staff per store. Each team member does more — stocking shelves, running the register, managing deliveries, and keeping the store clean. To attract people willing to work harder and faster, Aldi pays more.

Aldi also expects higher productivity. Scan rates at checkouts are tracked, and team members are expected to work across every part of the store. The higher pay reflects the higher workload.

Under Aldi's enterprise agreement, rates are higher than the General Retail Industry Award. Approximate rates:

• Store assistant (permanent): $28–$31/hr base rate
• Store assistant (casual): $35–$39/hr (includes 25% loading)
• Deputy store manager: $33–$36/hr
• Store manager: salaried, typically $85,000–$100,000+ per year

Compare that to the award minimum:

• Award Level 1 permanent: $27.81/hr
• Award Level 1 casual: $34.76/hr

That's up to around $3/hr more than the award minimum at the base level. Over a full-time year, that can be an extra $6,000 or so.

Enterprise agreements can set different terms to the award, but the overall package must leave workers better off overall (the BOOT test). Here's how Aldi's EA typically compares:

• Base rates: Higher than award — clear win
• Sunday penalty rates: Aldi EAs have sometimes set lower Sunday penalties than the award (e.g. 130% vs 150%). This has been controversial
• Public holiday penalties: May differ from the standard 225% under the award
• Overall package: The higher base rate is meant to offset any reduced penalty rates, so you still come out ahead on average

If you mostly work weekdays, Aldi's EA is a clear win. If you work a lot of Sundays, check whether the reduced penalty rate actually leaves you better off compared to what you'd get under the award at a competitor.

Here's a rough comparison of adult base rates (permanent, entry level):

• Aldi: ~$28–$31/hr (EA rate)
• Coles: ~$27.81/hr (award minimum, some stores have EA)
• Woolworths: ~$27.81/hr (award minimum, some stores have EA)
• Bunnings: ~$28–$30/hr (EA rate, above award)

Aldi and Bunnings lead the pack for entry-level retail pay. But the work at Aldi is more intense — fewer staff, faster pace, and more physical work. Whether the extra pay is worth it depends on what you're after.

Aldi store managers are among the highest-paid in Australian retail. Salaries typically range from $85,000 to $100,000+ depending on location and experience. Some senior store managers in metro areas earn above $100,000.

Store managers are salaried, so penalty rates and overtime don't apply the same way. But the salary must still properly compensate for all hours worked. If you're doing 50+ hour weeks as a manager, divide your salary by your actual hours to check your effective hourly rate is reasonable.

Deputy store managers earn less but still significantly more than equivalent roles at Coles or Woolworths.

If you work at Aldi:

• Get a copy of your EA: Your employer must provide it. It's also available on the Fair Work Commission website
• Check your classification: Make sure you're being paid the right level for the work you actually do
• Compare against the award: Use our retail worker pay rate tool to check the award minimum. Your EA rate should be above this for your overall package
• Check penalty rates: Even if the EA sets different penalties, verify that they're being applied correctly on your payslip
• If something's wrong: Raise it in writing, then contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if needed