General Retail Award pay rates 2026–27
MA000004 · rates as at 1 July 2026 (first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026)
The General Retail Industry Award covers most shops and retail businesses in Australia. Evening rates apply after 6pm on weekdays. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
Level 1 Casual
Retail Employee Level 1 (shop assistant). Evening rate applies Mon–Fri after 6pm.
| Base (ordinary hours) | $34.76 /hr |
| Saturday | $41.72 /hr |
| Sunday | $48.67 /hr |
| Public holiday | $69.53 /hr |
| Evening (from 6pm) | $41.72 /hr |
Level 1 Full/Part-time
Retail Employee Level 1 (permanent staff). Evening rate applies Mon–Fri after 6pm.
| Base (ordinary hours) | $27.81 /hr |
| Saturday | $34.76 /hr |
| Sunday | $41.72 /hr |
| Public holiday | $62.57 /hr |
| Evening (from 6pm) | $34.76 /hr |
Junior rates by age
Junior percentages applied to the general retail — level 1 casual figures. The same percentages apply to the other classifications above.
| Age | % of adult | Base /hr | Sat /hr | Sun /hr | PH /hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 45% | $15.64 | $18.77 | $21.90 | $31.29 |
| 16 years | 50% | $17.38 | $20.86 | $24.34 | $34.77 |
| 17 years | 60% | $20.86 | $25.03 | $29.20 | $41.72 |
| 18 years | 70% | $24.33 | $29.20 | $34.07 | $48.67 |
| 19 years | 80% | $27.81 | $33.38 | $38.94 | $55.62 |
| 20 years | 90% | $31.28 | $37.55 | $43.80 | $62.58 |
| 21+ (adult) | 100% | $34.76 | $41.72 | $48.67 | $69.53 |
Common questions
What is the casual retail rate in 2026?
An adult Retail Employee Level 1 casual earns $34.76 per hour for ordinary weekday hours from 1 July 2026, including the 25% casual loading. Permanent Level 1 staff earn $27.81 per hour.
What is the retail evening rate?
Hours after 6pm Monday to Friday are paid at 125% for permanent staff and 150% of the base rate for casuals.
What are retail Sunday rates?
Sundays are 150% for permanent staff and 175% of the base rate for casual employees. Public holidays are 225% permanent and 250% casual.
Apply these rates automatically
Shiftbreeze prefills General Retail Award rates into your pay templates — weekend, public holiday, evening and junior rates included — and your roster prices every shift as you build it. $60/month flat for your first 10 staff, free trial, no card needed.
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