Chemist Warehouse Pay Rates 2026: Retail Assistant Pay

Chemist Warehouse retail assistants are covered by the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004). Pharmacy assistants who handle Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist may be covered by the Pharmacy Industry Award (MA000012) — this depends on the role and the store.

If you're unsure which award applies, ask HR for a written copy of your contract showing the award.

Under the General Retail Industry Award, from 1 July 2025:

• Level 1: $25.44/hr permanent / $31.80/hr casual
• Level 2 (beauty consultant, experienced): $26.03/hr / $32.54/hr

Under the Pharmacy Industry Award (MA000012):

• Pharmacy Assistant Level 1 (basic): $25.21/hr permanent / $31.51/hr casual
• Pharmacy Assistant Level 2 (counter assistant): $25.83/hr / $32.29/hr
• Pharmacy Assistant Level 3 (Cert III): $26.65/hr / $33.31/hr
• Pharmacy Assistant Level 4 (Dispensary technician): $28.50/hr / $35.63/hr

If you've completed Cert II or Cert III in Community Pharmacy, your level should reflect that — make sure HR has the qualification on file.

Both awards apply weekend and evening penalties. For General Retail Award Level 1:

• Saturday: $31.80/hr · Sunday: $38.16/hr · Public holiday: $57.24/hr

Chemist Warehouse has been audited by the FWO multiple times. Issues to check:

• Wrong award applied (retail vs pharmacy) — pharmacy award generally pays better at higher levels
• Cert qualifications not reflected in level
• Casual loading missed
• Late-trading hours not paid as evening shift

If your role involves dispensing, methadone counter, or compounding, you may be entitled to higher pharmacy award levels.