18 Year Old Retail Worker Pay Rate 2026-27
$19.47/hr permanent, $24.34/hr casual — the Retail Award junior rate for an 18 year old retail worker, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
An 18 year old retail worker earns $19.47/hr minimum ($24.34/hr casual)
70% of the adult Retail Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
General Retail Industry Award 2020
MA000004
Retail Employee Level 1
70% of the adult rate
Retail Worker pay rates by age — Retail Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 45% | $12.51 | $15.64 | $475.56 |
| 16 | 50% | $13.91 | $17.39 | $528.40 |
| 17 | 60% | $16.69 | $20.86 | $634.08 |
| 18(you) | 70% | $19.47 | $24.34 | $739.76 |
| 19 | 80% | $22.25 | $27.81 | $845.44 |
| 20 (less than 6 months with the employer) | 90% | $25.03 | $31.29 | $951.12 |
| 20 (6 months or more with the employer) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
Penalty rates at age 18
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $19.47 |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $24.34 |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $29.21 |
| Public holiday | 2.25x | $43.81 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.25x | $24.34 |
When I turn 19
When you turn 19, your minimum retail worker rate increases to $22.25/hr — that's a +$2.78/hr increase.
Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday. If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Weekly earnings examples
| Hours/week | Base pay | Casual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $194.70 | $243.40 |
| 15 hours | $292.05 | $365.10 |
| 20 hours | $389.40 | $486.80 |
| 25 hours | $486.75 | $608.50 |
| 30 hours | $584.10 | $730.20 |
| 38 hours | $739.86 | $924.92 |
Related resources
Retail Worker rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should an 18 year old retail worker get paid?
A 18 year old retail worker should earn at least $19.47/hr ($24.34/hr casual). That is 70% of the adult Retail Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the General Retail Industry Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for an 18 year old retail worker?
The casual rate for an 18 year old retail worker is $24.34/hr — the junior base rate of $19.47/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will an 18 year old retail worker's pay go up?
When you turn 19, your minimum rate rises to $22.25/hr — a $2.78/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 18 year old retail workers get penalty rates?
Yes. 18 year old retail workers receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $24.34/hr (1.25x). Sundays: $29.21/hr (1.5x). Public holidays: $43.81/hr (2.25x).
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