20 Year Old Retail Worker Pay Rate 2026-27
$25.03/hr permanent, $31.29/hr casual — the Retail Award junior rate for a 20 year old retail worker, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026A 20 year old retail worker earns $25.03/hr minimum ($31.29/hr casual)
90% of the adult Retail Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), from 1 July 2026. After 6 months with the same employer a 20 year old moves to the full adult rate.
Award & classification
General Retail Industry Award 2020
MA000004
Retail Employee Level 1
90% 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 | 70% | $19.47 | $24.34 | $739.76 |
| 19 | 80% | $22.25 | $27.81 | $845.44 |
| 20 (less than 6 months with the employer)(you) | 90% | $25.03 | $31.29 | $951.12 |
| 20 (6 months or more with the employer)(you) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
- A 20 year old moves to the full adult rate after 6 months with the same employer — before that, 90%.
- Higher classification levels carry the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026; read 2026-09-03. Where an award publishes junior rates weekly, hourly = weekly ÷ 38. Casual = hourly × 1.25 (25% casual loading). Higher classification levels use the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Penalty rates at age 20
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $25.03 |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $31.29 |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $37.55 |
| Public holiday | 2.5x | $62.58 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.25x | $31.29 |
When I turn 21
When you turn 21, your minimum retail worker rate becomes the full adult rate of $27.81/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 | $250.30 | $312.90 |
| 15 hours | $375.45 | $469.35 |
| 20 hours | $500.60 | $625.80 |
| 25 hours | $625.75 | $782.25 |
| 30 hours | $750.90 | $938.70 |
| 38 hours | $951.14 | $1,189.02 |
Related resources
Retail Worker rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 20 year old retail worker get paid?
A 20 year old retail worker should earn at least $25.03/hr ($31.29/hr casual). That is 90% 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 a 20 year old retail worker?
The casual rate for a 20 year old retail worker is $31.29/hr — the junior base rate of $25.03/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 20 year old retail worker's pay go up?
When you turn 21, you move to the full adult rate of $27.81/hr under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 — a $2.78/hr increase. Your employer must apply it from your birthday.
Do 20 year old retail workers get penalty rates?
Yes. 20 year old retail workers receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $31.29/hr (1.25x). Sundays: $37.55/hr (1.5x). Public holidays: $62.58/hr (2.5x).
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.