Retail Worker Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Retail Workers in Queensland 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. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Retail Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
Retail workers include shop assistants, cashiers, shelf stockers, and sales staff working in stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
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Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Retail Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | $1,056.78 | $54,952.56 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $34.76/hr | Varies | Varies |
Junior Rates by Age — Retail Worker
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/hr | $15.64/hr | $475.56 |
| 16 | 50% | $13.91/hr | $17.39/hr | $528.40 |
| 17 | 60% | $16.69/hr | $20.86/hr | $634.08 |
| 18 | 70% | $19.47/hr | $24.34/hr | $739.76 |
| 19 | 80% | $22.25/hr | $27.81/hr | $845.44 |
| 20 (less than 6 months with the employer) | 90% | $25.03/hr | $31.29/hr | $951.12 |
| 20 (6 months or more with the employer) | 100% | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $1,056.80 |
| 21+ (adult) | 100% | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $1,056.80 |
Penalty Rates — Retail Worker
$34.76/hr
$41.71/hr
$62.57/hr
Classification Levels — General Retail Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Retail employee (introductory) | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Experienced sales assistant | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Specialised retail employee | $28.89 | $36.11 | $57,086.64 |
| Level 4 | Supervisor/2IC | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 5 | Department/section manager | $30.66 | $38.33 | $60,584.16 |
| Level 6 | Assistant store manager | $31.11 | $38.89 | $61,473.36 |
| Level 7 | Store manager (small) | $32.67 | $40.84 | $64,555.92 |
| Level 8 | Store manager (large) | $33.99 | $42.49 | $67,164.24 |
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 →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 in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a retail worker in Queensland is $27.81/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $34.76/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 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a retail worker?
The minimum wage for a retail worker is $27.81 per hour ($1,056.78 per week for a 38-hour week, or $54,952.56 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 ($34.76/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($41.71/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($62.57/hr).
What is the casual rate for a retail worker?
The casual rate for a retail worker is $34.76/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.81/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?
A 17 year old retail worker gets at least $16.69/hr (60% of the adult Retail Employee Level 1 rate), or $20.86/hr casual, under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 from 1 July 2026. 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.
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