Retail Employee Level 8 Pay Rate 2026
As of 1 July 2026, a Retail Employee Level 8 under the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004) earns a published minimum of $33.99 an hour ($1,291.80 a week, about $67,354 a year) full-time before tax.
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.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $33.99 | $1,291.80 | $67,354 |
| Casual (loading included) | $42.49 | — | — |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $33.99 | $42.49 |
| Evening (Mon–Fri after 6.00 pm) | $42.49 | $50.99 |
| Saturday | $42.49 | $50.99 |
| Sunday | $50.99 | $59.48 |
| Public holiday | $76.48 | $84.98 |
Higher penalty rates generally apply for work on weekends, on public holidays and in the evenings after normal trading hours, and overtime rates apply when an employee works beyond their ordinary hours.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday – first 3 hours | $50.99 |
| Monday to Saturday – after 3 hours | $67.98 |
| Sunday – all day | $67.98 |
| Public holiday | $84.98 |
Work out your pay
Pick full-time, part-time or casual to see the exact published rate for this classification.
Common questions
How much does a Retail Employee Level 8 get paid?
The published minimum for a Retail Employee Level 8 is $33.99 an hour. For a full-time retail worker on a standard week that comes to $1,291.80 a week, or about $67,354 a year. These rates took effect on 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for this work?
Casual employees are paid a casual loading on top of the equivalent permanent rate, so the published casual minimum for this work is $42.49 an hour. The loading makes up for the paid leave and notice that casuals do not receive, and it applies to a casual's ordinary hours before any weekend or public holiday penalties are added.
What are the weekend and public holiday rates?
Weekend and public holiday work usually attracts higher penalty rates than ordinary hours. For this role the published Saturday minimum is $42.49 an hour and the Sunday minimum is $50.99 an hour. Public holidays are paid at a higher rate again, with a published minimum of $76.48 an hour.
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 for the General Retail Industry Award (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.