Retail Worker Pay Rate in NSW 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for retail workers in New South Wales under the General Retail Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Retail Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Retail workers include shop assistants, cashiers, shelf stockers, and sales staff working in stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Retail Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | $915.80 | $47,621.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.13/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the General Retail Industry Award 2020.
Junior Rates — Retail Worker
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 16: 36% of adult rate. 16 years: 47.3%. 17 years: 57.3%. 18 years: 68.3%. 19 years: 82.5%. 20 years: 97.7%.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.64/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.05/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.46/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $16.87/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.28/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $21.69/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.10/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the General Retail Industry Award 2020 for precise rates.
Penalty Rates — Retail Worker
Saturday
$30.13/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$36.15/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$60.25/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.10/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — General Retail Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Retail employee (introductory) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Experienced sales assistant | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| Level 3 | Specialised retail employee | $25.15 | $31.44 | $49,696.40 |
| Level 4 | Supervisor/2IC | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 5 | Department/section manager | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Level 6 | Assistant store manager | $27.25 | $34.06 | $53,846.00 |
| Level 7 | Store manager (small) | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 8 | Store manager (large) | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
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 think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retail worker get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a retail worker in New South Wales is $24.10/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.13/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a retail worker?
The minimum wage for a retail worker is $24.10 per hour ($915.80 per week for a 38-hour week, or $47,621.60 per year). This is set by the General Retail Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers retail workers?
Retail Workers are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do retail workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the General Retail Industry Award 2020, retail workers receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($30.13/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($36.15/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($60.25/hr).
What is the casual rate for a retail worker?
The casual rate for a retail worker is $30.13/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.10/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old retail worker get paid?
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 16: 36% of adult rate. 16 years: 47.3%. 17 years: 57.3%. 18 years: 68.3%. 19 years: 82.5%. 20 years: 97.7%. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the General Retail Industry Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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