General Retail Industry Award Pay Rates 2026
Minimum pay rates for the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004), effective 1 July 2026. 8 classifications, with penalty, casual and junior rates.
This page lists the minimum pay rates under the General Retail Industry Award, set out by classification. For each retail role you can see the base hourly and weekly minimum, the casual rate, penalty rates for evenings, weekends and public holidays, and junior rates where they apply.
The General Retail Industry Award covers employees working in shops and retail businesses across Australia, from supermarkets, department stores and fashion outlets to newsagents, hardware stores, pharmacies and online retailers that sell goods to the public. It applies to shop assistants, checkout operators, sales staff, visual merchandisers, storepersons and the supervisors and managers who run a department or store. The classifications rise with skill and responsibility, from entry-level retail employees who serve customers and stock shelves through to senior in-store roles. Fast food outlets, hair and beauty salons and hospitality venues are covered by their own separate awards.
Pay rates by classification
| Classification | Hourly | Weekly | Annual | Casual/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Employee Level 1 | $27.81 | $1,056.80 | $55,102 | $34.76 |
| Retail Employee Level 2 | $28.45 | $1,081.00 | $56,363 | $35.56 |
| Retail Employee Level 3 | $28.89 | $1,097.80 | $57,239 | $36.11 |
| Retail Employee Level 4 | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,350 | $36.81 |
| Retail Employee Level 5 | $30.66 | $1,165.10 | $60,748 | $38.33 |
| Retail Employee Level 6 | $31.11 | $1,182.10 | $61,635 | $38.89 |
| Retail Employee Level 7 | $32.67 | $1,241.40 | $64,727 | $40.84 |
| Retail Employee Level 8 | $33.99 | $1,291.80 | $67,354 | $42.49 |
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Rates current as of 1 July 2026. Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database. Last checked .
Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database, General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004).
General information only — not legal, industrial or financial advice. These are the published minimum rates for information. Your modern award or enterprise agreement prevails if there is any inconsistency. Check the official source above or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your situation.