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Retail Award Penalty Rates

All penalty rates under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) for 2025-26, including weekends, public holidays, evening, and overtime.

Last verified: 21 May 2026
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Retail Award — Key Rates at a Glance

Saturday

$33.19/hr

1.25x base

Sunday

$39.83/hr

1.5x base

Public Holiday

$66.38/hr

2.5x base

Evening (6pm–11pm)

$33.19/hr

1.25x base

Overtime (first 3 hours)

$39.83/hr

1.5x base

Overtime (after 3 hours)

$53.10/hr

2x base

Rates shown for Level 1 ($26.55/hr base). See full table below for all levels.

Full Penalty Rate Table — Retail Award

LevelBase RateSaturday
1.25x
Sunday
1.5x
Public Holiday
2.5x
Evening
1.25x
Overtime
1.5x
Overtime
2x
Level 1$26.55/hr$33.19/hr$39.83/hr$66.38/hr$33.19/hr$39.83/hr$53.10/hr
Level 2$27.60/hr$34.50/hr$41.40/hr$69.00/hr$34.50/hr$41.40/hr$55.20/hr
Level 3$28.55/hr$35.69/hr$42.83/hr$71.38/hr$35.69/hr$42.83/hr$57.10/hr
Level 4$29.61/hr$37.01/hr$44.42/hr$74.03/hr$37.01/hr$44.42/hr$59.22/hr
Level 5$30.69/hr$38.36/hr$46.04/hr$76.73/hr$38.36/hr$46.04/hr$61.38/hr
Level 6$32.06/hr$40.08/hr$48.09/hr$80.15/hr$40.08/hr$48.09/hr$64.12/hr
Level 7$33.42/hr$41.78/hr$50.13/hr$83.55/hr$41.78/hr$50.13/hr$66.84/hr
Level 8$35.64/hr$44.55/hr$53.46/hr$89.10/hr$44.55/hr$53.46/hr$71.28/hr

Compare Penalty Rates Across Awards (Level 1)

AwardBase RateSundayPublic Holiday
Retail Award$26.55/hr$39.83/hr (1.5x)$66.38/hr (2.5x)
Hospitality Award$24.95/hr$37.43/hr (1.5x)$56.14/hr (2.25x)
Clerks Award$25.74/hr$51.48/hr (2x)$64.35/hr (2.5x)
Building Award$25.46/hr$50.92/hr (2x)$63.65/hr (2.5x)

Calculate Your Exact Penalty Rate

Select your classification level and penalty type below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalty rates under the Retail Award?

The Retail Award (MA000004) provides penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday, Evening (6pm–11pm), Overtime (first 3 hours), Overtime (after 3 hours). Rates range from 1.25x to 2.5x of the base hourly rate.

What is the Sunday penalty rate for retail workers?

Under the Retail Award, permanent employees receive 1.5x their base rate for Sunday work. For a Level 1 employee at $26.55/hr, this means $39.83/hr on Sundays.

What is the public holiday rate under the Retail Award?

Public holiday work under the Retail Award is paid at 2.5x the base rate. For Level 1, that's $66.38/hr.

Who is covered by the Retail Award?

The Retail Award covers employees in the retail industry. Common job titles include Shop assistant, Retail manager, Cashier, Shelf stocker, Visual merchandiser, Store manager.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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