General Retail Award pay guide 2026/2027
A simple, practical guide for shops, stores and retail employers
Updated • FY2026/27 rates — effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026
Written by
Steve Harris
Summarise with AI
This guide provides general information about the General Retail Industry Award 2020 [MA000004] and related Australian workplace laws as at the date of publication.
It does not constitute legal, financial, payroll or employment advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Pay rates, penalty rates and allowance amounts under modern awards change periodically, particularly following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. This guide includes indicative minimum figures based on rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Employers must always check the current Fair Work pay guide before setting or paying wages.
The General Retail Award covers most retail shops and stores. Fast-food outlets are usually covered by the Fast Food Award, pharmacies by the Pharmacy Award, and hair and beauty salons by the Hair and Beauty Award. Always confirm award coverage (e.g. using Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT)).
If you need award-specific guidance, see:
Looking for MA000004?
This is it. MA000004 is the official Fair Work code for the General Retail Industry Award 2020. This guide covers its pay rates, classifications, penalties and compliance for 2026/27.
View official MA000004 on Fair Work →Award rate calculator
See how RosterElf interprets the General Retail Award
This is an educational example showing how the General Retail Award penalty rates work. It demonstrates how RosterElf automatically calculates correct pay rates based on classification level, employment type, and shift times.
Award penalty rates
Example weekly cost (38 hours)
Example only - not for payroll use
This is a demonstration of how RosterElf calculates award-compliant rates.
The actual cost for your employees will depend on:
- Their specific classification level and employment type
- Actual hours worked and shift times
- Any additional allowances, overtime, or enterprise agreement provisions
- Current award rates (which change annually in July)
For accurate payroll calculations, always:
- Verify current rates with the official Fair Work pay guide
- Confirm your employees' correct award coverage and classification
- Use award interpretation software or consult a payroll professional
- Review your specific enterprise agreement (if applicable)
Do not rely on this example for actual wage payments.
Stop calculating penalty rates manually
Let RosterElf handle award compliance automatically
Manual award calculations are time-consuming and error-prone. One mistake can lead to underpayments, compliance issues, and Fair Work penalties. RosterElf's award interpretation engine does the work for you.
How RosterElf automates award calculations
Create pay templates
Create pay templates for each classification level with award-compliant base rates and penalty multipliers. RosterElf applies the correct template to each shift automatically.
Award interpretation →Define rate rules
Configure when different penalty rates apply (evenings, weekends, public holidays). The system detects which rate to use based on shift times and days.
Penalty rates guide →Auto-apply to shifts
Every rostered shift calculates the correct pay rate based on the employee's classification, employment type, and shift timing. No manual work required.
Payroll integration →Quick casual pay rates reference 2026/27
Casual rates for ordinary weekday hours, generated from the current Fair Work pay guide:
FY2026/27 rates are in effect
All modern award rates rose 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, and the national minimum wage is now $26.44/hr. The rates below and in the calculator reflect the current Fair Work pay guide.
Casual hourly rates 2026/27 (ordinary weekday hours)
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry-level: sales assistant, checkout, shelf filler | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | Some experience / responsibility (e.g. ordering) | $35.56 |
| Level 3 | Trade qualification or specialised duties | $36.11 |
| Level 4 | Supervisory / senior sales / department duties | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | Supervisor of a section or small store | $38.33 |
| Level 6 | Tradesperson / advanced specialised role | $38.89 |
| Level 7 | Senior supervisor / coordinator | $40.84 |
| Level 8 | Manages a section/store, supervises staff | $42.49 |
Evening, weekend & public holiday rates are higher
On top of the ordinary rates above: evening (Mon–Fri after 6pm) +25%, Saturday +25%, Sunday +50% and public holidays +125% for full-time and part-time staff (casual rates are higher again — the 25% loading is added to the penalty). Shiftwork and baking-production loadings also apply in some stores. See the penalty section below, and use the calculator for the ordinary/evening/weekend/public-holiday figures.
Quick summary for time-poor employers
Important: This guide assumes the General Retail Award applies. Fast-food outlets, pharmacies and hair/beauty salons are covered by different awards — confirm coverage first (see the disclaimer above).
If you only skim one section, make it this one:
- The General Retail Industry Award 2020 [MA000004] covers most retail shops and stores, with retail employees classified into Levels 1–8.
- Minimums are reviewed each July. The FY2026/27 pay guide took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, lifting all rates by 4.75%.
- Example 2026/27 adult minimum pay:
- Level 1: full-time/part-time $27.81/hr, casual $34.76/hr.
- Level 4: full-time/part-time $29.45/hr, casual $36.81/hr.
- Penalties: evening (after 6pm) and Saturday +25%, Sunday +50%, public holidays +125% (full-time/part-time); casual rates are higher again.
- Junior rates apply for staff under 21 (from 45% under 16 up to 90% at 20).
- Get classification, age, employment type and shift type right for every employee.
Bottom line: with evening, weekend, junior and shiftwork rates, manual calculation is error-prone — check your underpayment risk. Award-aware rostering software with award interpretation keeps it correct automatically.
Who the award covers (and who it doesn't)
The General Retail Award covers employers and employees in the general retail industry — the sale or hire of goods to the public:
- Supermarkets and grocery stores, department stores, clothing and footwear, electronics, hardware, furniture, newsagents and most other shops.
- Retail employees from entry-level sales assistants (Level 1) through to store/section managers (Level 8).
Important — who’s covered by other awards: fast-food outlets → Fast Food Award; pharmacies → Pharmacy Award; hair and beauty salons → Hair and Beauty Award; clubs → Registered & Licensed Clubs Award. Confirm coverage with Fair Work’s PACT tool before applying rates.
2026/27 pay rates overview: what you must pay
A snapshot of the current FY2026/27 rates, generated from the same data that powers the calculator above.
What changed from 2025/26
The FY2026/27 Annual Wage Review lifted all modern award minimum rates by 4.75%. For this award, for example: Level 1 is now $27.81/hr and Level 4 is $29.45/hr (full-time/part-time). Penalty, junior and casual rates rose proportionally. Always confirm against the current pay guide.
Adult – full-time & part-time
Ordinary weekday rates for retail employee Levels 1–8:
| Level | Example roles | Weekly pay | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry-level: sales assistant, checkout, shelf filler | $1,056.80 | $27.81 |
| Level 2 | Some experience / responsibility (e.g. ordering) | $1,081.00 | $28.45 |
| Level 3 | Trade qualification or specialised duties | $1,097.80 | $28.89 |
| Level 4 | Supervisory / senior sales / department duties | $1,119.10 | $29.45 |
| Level 5 | Supervisor of a section or small store | $1,165.10 | $30.66 |
| Level 6 | Tradesperson / advanced specialised role | $1,182.10 | $31.11 |
| Level 7 | Senior supervisor / coordinator | $1,241.40 | $32.67 |
| Level 8 | Manages a section/store, supervises staff | $1,291.80 | $33.99 |
Adult rates (21 and over). Junior rates apply for employees under 21 — see the classification section.
Adult – casual
Casuals receive the same base rate plus a 25% loading. Ordinary weekday casual rates:
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry-level: sales assistant, checkout, shelf filler | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | Some experience / responsibility (e.g. ordering) | $35.56 |
| Level 3 | Trade qualification or specialised duties | $36.11 |
| Level 4 | Supervisory / senior sales / department duties | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | Supervisor of a section or small store | $38.33 |
| Level 6 | Tradesperson / advanced specialised role | $38.89 |
| Level 7 | Senior supervisor / coordinator | $40.84 |
| Level 8 | Manages a section/store, supervises staff | $42.49 |
Casual rates shown are the ordinary weekday rate (base + 25% loading). Evening, weekend and public-holiday loadings apply on top — use the calculator above.
Retail Award pay rates by level (2026/27)
Every retail employee is classified into one of eight levels. Here is the 2026/27 ordinary hourly rate for each (full-time and part-time). Casual employees add the 25% loading (shown in brackets); evening, weekend and public-holiday penalties apply on top, and juniors under 21 are paid a percentage of the Level 1 rate.
Retail employee Level 1 pay rate
Level 1 — $27.81/hour full-time/part-time (casual $34.76/hour). Entry-level work: sales assistant, checkout operator, shelf filler. Most retail staff start at Level 1.
Retail employee Level 2 pay rate
Level 2 — $28.45/hour full-time/part-time (casual $35.56/hour). For employees with some experience or added responsibility, such as ordering or handling stock.
Retail employee Level 3 pay rate
Level 3 — $28.89/hour full-time/part-time (casual $36.11/hour). For a trade-qualified employee or one performing specialised duties.
Retail employee Level 4 pay rate
Level 4 — $29.45/hour full-time/part-time (casual $36.81/hour). Supervisory, senior sales or department-level responsibilities.
Retail employee Level 5 pay rate
Level 5 — $30.66/hour full-time/part-time (casual $38.33/hour). Supervisor of a section or a small store.
Retail employee Level 6 pay rate
Level 6 — $31.11/hour full-time/part-time (casual $38.89/hour). Tradesperson or advanced specialised role.
Retail employee Level 7 pay rate
Level 7 — $32.67/hour full-time/part-time (casual $40.84/hour). Senior supervisor or coordinator.
Retail employee Level 8 pay rate
Level 8 — $33.99/hour full-time/part-time (casual $42.49/hour). Manages a section or store and supervises other staff — the top retail classification.
These are ordinary (Monday–Friday day) rates. To see a level’s pay with evening, weekend, public-holiday or overtime penalties for a specific shift, use the calculator at the top of this page.
How to classify your staff
Classification follows duties, skills and responsibility — not job title.
- Levels 1–8 progress from entry-level sales and checkout (Level 1) through specialised, trade-qualified and supervisory roles to store and section managers (Level 8).
- Juniors (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult Level 1 rate: about 45% under 16, 50% at 16, 60% at 17, 70% at 18, 80% at 19 and 90% at 20, reaching the full adult rate at 21.
- Baking-production and shiftwork roles attract separate loadings (see penalties).
Write each employee’s level, age and employment type into your payroll/rostering system. If unsure, confirm the right level.
2026 change — junior rates are being phased out for 18–20 year-olds. Following a March 2026 Fair Work Commission Full Bench decision ([2026] FWCFB 75), employees aged 18–20 under the General Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy awards move to the full adult rate after six months’ employment with the same employer, phased in from December 2026 and completing by mid-2029. Rates for under-18s are unchanged. Track each 18–20 year-old’s start date and step them up to 100% once they pass six months — see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance on the junior wage changes.
Penalty rates, evening & shiftwork
General Retail Award penalties (on the ordinary rate):
- Evening (Mon–Fri after 6pm): 125% (full-time/part-time), 150% (casual)
- Saturday: 125% (full-time/part-time), 150% (casual)
- Sunday: 150% (full-time/part-time), 175% (casual)
- Public holiday: 225% (full-time/part-time), 250% (casual)
- Shiftwork and baking-production loadings apply for non-baking shiftworkers and early-morning/night baking-production employees (separate from the calculator above).
- Overtime: time-and-a-half for the first 3 hours then double time; double time on Sundays and public holidays.
The calculator above covers ordinary, evening, Saturday, Sunday and public-holiday rates. For shiftwork, baking production and overtime, use Fair Work’s PACT tool or award-interpreting software.
Stop calculating evening and weekend penalties by hand
RosterElf's award interpretation engine applies General Retail Award evening, weekend, public-holiday and junior rates automatically from each shift's times.
See award interpretationFull-time vs part-time vs casual
Full-time & part-time
- Full-time is around 38 hours per week, ongoing; part-time has a regular agreed pattern of hours.
- Both receive paid annual and personal/carer’s leave (pro-rata for part-time) and other NES entitlements. Part-time hours should be agreed in writing.
Casual
- Paid a 25% casual loading instead of paid leave, with a minimum engagement of 3 hours per shift.
- Casual evening, weekend and public-holiday rates are higher than the permanent rates because the loading is added to the penalty (for example, casual Sunday is 175% of the base rate).
Casuals working regular, ongoing hours may be eligible for casual conversion to permanent employment.
Allowances
Common allowances under this award include:
- Cold work – about $0.38/hr (0°C and above) or $0.97/hr (below 0°C).
- First aid – about $14.55 per week.
- Laundry – about $6.42/week (full-time) or $1.28 per shift (part-time/casual).
- Liquor licence – about $34.69 per week where a licence is required.
- Meal (overtime) – about $24.56, with a further $22.27 after more than 4 hours of overtime.
- Vehicle – about $1.00 per km.
Exact amounts update each pay guide — see the Fair Work pay guide.
Step-by-step compliance plan
- Confirm the award applies (general retail; not fast food, pharmacy or hair/beauty).
- Download the latest pay guide (FY2026/27).
- Classify each employee by level and age; review junior rates on each birthday.
- Set base rates and apply evening/weekend/public-holiday penalties, shiftwork and overtime.
- Use award-interpreting software so evening and weekend rates are calculated automatically, and keep records for 7 years.
Final takeaways
- Levels 1–8 cover sales assistants through to store managers.
- Evening (after 6pm) and Saturday are +25%, Sunday +50%, public holidays +125%.
- Junior rates step up with age — review them on each birthday.
- Casual loading is 25% with a 3-hour minimum engagement.
- Update every July and keep good records.
For official guidance, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Industries using this award
Explore rostering solutions for businesses covered by the General Retail Award
Run the General Retail Award on autopilot
RosterElf builds the award rules into your rosters, timesheets and payroll.
Award interpretation
Automatically applies evening, weekend, public-holiday and junior rates from shift times.
Rostering software
Build award-aware rosters in minutes with live wage cost and compliance warnings.
Time & attendance
Capture exact start and finish times with a kiosk time clock and live attendance.
Payroll integration
Send award-interpreted timesheets straight to Xero, MYOB and other payroll systems.
General Retail Award knowledge base
Step-by-step help for applying the award inside RosterElf.
Embed this calculator on your site
Free to embed on your website, blog or intranet — copy the snippet below. Please keep the attribution link.
<iframe src="https://www.rosterelf.com/embed/award-calculator/general-retail" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px" title="General Retail Industry Award 2020 pay calculator by RosterElf" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p style="font-size:13px"><a href="https://www.rosterelf.com/guides/award-rates/general-retail">General Retail Industry Award 2020 pay rates</a> by RosterElf</p>
Prefer a spreadsheet? Get these rates in Google Sheets or download the open dataset .
Related award rate guides
Explore other Australian Modern Award pay rate guides
Stop calculating the General Retail Award by hand
RosterElf applies General Retail Award (MA000004) evening, weekend, public holiday and junior rates automatically based on shift times.
General Retail Award FAQ
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The General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) covers most retail shops and stores in Australia — supermarkets, department stores, clothing, electronics, hardware and more. Retail employees are classified into Levels 1–8, from entry-level sales assistants to store managers. Fast-food outlets, pharmacies and hair/beauty salons are covered by their own awards.
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Employees under 21 are paid a percentage of the adult Level 1 rate: about 45% under 16, 50% at 16, 60% at 17, 70% at 18, 80% at 19 and 90% at 20, reaching 100% (the full adult rate) at 21. Junior rates step up automatically on each birthday, so review them regularly to avoid underpaying. Note the 2026 change: following a March 2026 Fair Work Commission decision ([2026] FWCFB 75), 18–20 year-olds under the General Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy awards will move to the full adult rate after six months’ employment with the same employer, phased in from December 2026 (under-18s are unaffected) — see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance.
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The General Retail Award covers the sale of goods in shops and stores, while the Fast Food Award covers the preparation and sale of fast food and takeaway. A café or restaurant may instead fall under the Restaurant or Hospitality awards. Use Fair Work’s PACT tool to confirm coverage.