Retail Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Retail Workers earn at least $27.81/hr (Level 1), $34.76/hr casual — about $1,057 a week full-time — under the General Retail Industry Award 2020. Every classification level, penalty rates and junior rates below.
Retail Worker Pay Rate
General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004)
Retail workers include shop assistants, cashiers, shelf stockers, and sales staff working in stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
$27.81
$34.76
$1,056.78
$54,952.56
What Award Covers Retail Workers?
Retail Workers in Australia are generally covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some retail workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
Retail Worker Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Retail employee (introductory) | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.78 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Experienced sales assistant | $28.45 | $35.56 | $1,081.10 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Specialised retail employee | $28.89 | $36.11 | $1,097.82 | $57,086.64 |
| Level 4 | Supervisor/2IC | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 5 | Department/section manager | $30.66 | $38.33 | $1,165.08 | $60,584.16 |
| Level 6 | Assistant store manager | $31.11 | $38.89 | $1,182.18 | $61,473.36 |
| Level 7 | Store manager (small) | $32.67 | $40.84 | $1,241.46 | $64,555.92 |
| Level 8 | Store manager (large) | $33.99 | $42.49 | $1,291.62 | $67,164.24 |
Casual Retail Worker Pay Rate
Casual retail workers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $27.81/hr to $34.76/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual retail worker working 38 hours per week would earn $68,685.76 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Retail Worker Pay Rate
Part-time retail workers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($27.81/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Junior Retail Worker Pay Rates (Under 21)
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 16: 45% of the adult rate. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90%, rising to 100% after 6 months with the employer.
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
Retail Worker Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when retail workers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($27.81/hr base).
$34.76/hr
$41.71/hr
$62.57/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Retail Worker?
Retail is one of the most common industries for wage underpayment in Australia. Issues often arise around penalty rate miscalculations and unpaid overtime.
If you earn less than $27.81/hr as a full-time or part-time retail worker, or less than $34.76/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
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More on the Retail Award
Retail Award (MA000004) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in retail
- National Pharmacies Retail Enterprise Agreement 2026
- MilkCo and UWU Dairy Beverage Centre Enterprise Agreement 2026
- HEINEMANN OCEANIA PTY LTD ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2026
- Cold Logic Pty Ltd Woolworths Sydney Banana Rooms C12703 Enterprise Agreement
- Metcash Trading Limited South Australia Food & Liquor Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Haigh's Chocolates Retail Enterprise Agreement 2026
Employer pay guides under the Retail Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retail worker get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a retail worker in Australia is $27.81/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $34.76/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the General Retail Industry Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a retail worker?
Under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), the minimum wage for a retail worker starts at $27.81/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,056.78/week or $54,952.56/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers retail workers?
Retail Workers in Australia are generally covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some retail workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a retail worker?
A casual retail worker receives $34.76/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $27.81/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a retail worker?
Under the General Retail Industry Award 2020, retail workers receive: Saturday 1.25x ($34.76/hr), Sunday 1.5x ($41.71/hr), and Public Holiday 2.25x ($62.57/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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