Which Retail Job Pays the Most in Australia 2025:
Complete Guide
Not all retail jobs are created equal in terms of pay. This comprehensive guide ranks Australian retail positions from highest to lowest paying, explains what drives retail salaries, and shows you how to maximize your retail earnings.
Quick Answer: Highest Paying Retail Jobs
Top 5 Highest Paying Retail Positions:
1.Retail Store Manager – $65,000-110,000/year
2.Department Manager (Hardware/Electrical) – $55,000-75,000/year
3.Pharmacy Retail Manager – $60,000-85,000/year
4.Luxury Retail Sales (Commission) – $50,000-100,000+/year
5.Electrical/Technology Specialist – $50,000-70,000/year
Highest Paying Retail Employers (Entry-Level):
1.ALDI – $27-30/hour (10-30% above competitors)
2.Bunnings – $26-30/hour (hardware premium)
3.JB Hi-Fi – $25-29/hour (electronics premium)
4.Chemist Warehouse – $25-28/hour
5.Woolworths/Coles – $25-29/hour
Complete Retail Pay Rankings
Entry-Level Positions (21+ Adult Casual)
| Employer/Sector | Pay Rate | Annual (30hrs/week) |
| ALDI | $27-30/hour | $42,000-47,000 |
| Bunnings | $26-30/hour | $40,500-47,000 |
| JB Hi-Fi | $25-29/hour | $39,000-45,000 |
| Chemist Warehouse | $25-28/hour | $39,000-44,000 |
| Woolworths/Coles | $25-29/hour | $39,000-45,000 |
| Kmart/Target/Big W | $24-28/hour | $37,500-44,000 |
| Myer | $24-30/hour | $37,500-47,000 |
| Fashion Retail | $23-27/hour | $36,000-42,000 |
| Small Independent | $22-26/hour | $34,000-40,500 |
Note: Actual earnings higher with weekend penalty rates (1.5x Saturday, 2x Sunday)
Specialized Retail Positions
| Position | Pay Range | Why Higher |
| Pharmacy Dispenser | $28-35/hour | Specialized knowledge, certification required |
| Optical Dispenser | $27-34/hour | Technical skills, certification |
| Butcher | $27-35/hour | Trade qualification, specialized skill |
| Baker | $26-32/hour | Trade qualification, early hours |
| Electronics Specialist | $26-32/hour | Technical knowledge, sales ability |
| Hardware Specialist | $26-30/hour | Trade knowledge, customer advice |
| Jewelry Sales | $25-30/hour + commission | Luxury goods, sales skills |
| Automotive Parts | $25-30/hour | Technical knowledge |
Management Positions
| Position | Salary Range | Employer Type |
| ALDI Store Manager | $100,000-135,000/year | Supermarket |
| Bunnings Store Manager | $90,000-130,000/year | Hardware |
| Woolworths/Coles Store Manager | $75,000-110,000/year | Supermarket |
| JB Hi-Fi Store Manager | $70,000-100,000/year | Electronics |
| Myer Store Manager | $70,000-95,000/year | Department store |
| Chemist Warehouse Manager | $65,000-90,000/year | Pharmacy |
| Fashion Retail Manager | $55,000-80,000/year | Fashion |
| Department Manager (Bunnings) | $55,000-75,000/year | Hardware |
| Department Manager (Supermarket) | $50,000-70,000/year | Supermarket |
What Makes Some Retail Jobs Pay More?
- Specialized Knowledge Required
Higher Pay:
- Pharmacy (medication knowledge)
- Optical (eye care, prescriptions)
- Electronics (technical specifications)
- Hardware (trade knowledge)
- Automotive parts (technical expertise)
Why: Specialized knowledge is valuable and harder to replace.
- Qualifications and Certifications
Higher Pay:
- Pharmacy dispenser (certification required)
- Optical dispenser (certification required)
- Butcher (trade qualification)
- Baker (trade qualification)
Why: Formal qualifications create barriers to entry and add value.
- Commission and Sales Performance
Higher Pay:
- Luxury goods (jewelry, watches, designer fashion)
- Electronics (high-value items)
- Furniture and homewares
- Automotive
Why: Commission rewards sales ability and can significantly boost earnings.
- Responsibility Level
Higher Pay:
- Store managers
- Department managers
- Team leaders
- Key holders
Why: Greater responsibility commands higher compensation.
- Company Size and Profitability
Higher Pay:
- ALDI (highly profitable, lean model)
- Bunnings (market leader, strong margins)
- JB Hi-Fi (strong performance)
- Chemist Warehouse (rapid growth)
Why: Profitable companies can afford to pay more.
- Product Category
Higher Pay:
- Hardware (Bunnings)
- Electronics (JB Hi-Fi)
- Pharmacy (Chemist Warehouse)
- Automotive parts
Lower Pay:
- Fashion retail
- Discount stores
- Small independent stores
Why: Higher-margin products and technical knowledge required.
Highest Paying Retail Employers (Detailed)
- ALDI – Highest Base Pay
Entry-Level: $27-30/hour (10-30% above competitors)
Why Highest:
- Lean staffing model (fewer employees, higher productivity)
- Multi-skilled workers (each person does more)
- Highly profitable business model
- Performance-driven culture
Store Manager: $100,000-135,000/year
Catch: Very demanding, fast-paced, physically exhausting work
Best For: Hard workers who can handle intense environment
- Bunnings – Hardware Premium
Entry-Level: $26-30/hour
Why High:
- Specialized hardware knowledge required
- Trade background valued
- Market leader with strong margins
- Customer service-focused
Department Manager: $55,000-75,000/year
Store Manager: $90,000-130,000/year
Benefits:
- Staff discount (varies)
- Flexible hours
- Career progression
Best For: Those with trade knowledge or interest in hardware
- JB Hi-Fi – Electronics Premium
Entry-Level: $25-29/hour
Why High:
- Technical product knowledge required
- Sales ability rewarded
- Strong company performance
- Commission opportunities
Store Manager: $70,000-100,000/year
Benefits:
- Staff discount (significant on electronics)
- Commission potential
- Product knowledge training
Best For: Tech-savvy individuals with sales ability
- Chemist Warehouse – Pharmacy Premium
Entry-Level: $25-28/hour
Pharmacy Dispenser: $28-35/hour
Why High:
- Specialized knowledge (pharmacy)
- Certification required for dispensing
- Rapid company growth
- Health sector premium
Store Manager: $65,000-90,000/year
Benefits:
- Staff discount on health products
- Career progression
- Health sector experience
Best For: Those interested in pharmacy/health sector
- Woolworths/Coles – Supermarket Standard
Entry-Level: $25-29/hour
Why Competitive:
- Large employers (market rate)
- Follow retail award
- Penalty rates boost earnings
- Consistent hours available
Store Manager: $75,000-110,000/year
Benefits:
- 5% staff discount
- Clear career progression
- Comprehensive training
- Many locations
Best For: Those wanting stable career with clear progression
How to Maximize Retail Earnings
Strategy 1: Choose High-Paying Employers
Target:
- ALDI (highest base pay)
- Bunnings (hardware premium)
- JB Hi-Fi (electronics premium)
- Chemist Warehouse (pharmacy premium)
Earnings Boost: 10-30% more than average retail
Strategy 2: Work Weekend Shifts
Penalty Rates:
- Saturday: 1.5x pay
- Sunday: 2x pay
Example (21+ at $27/hour):
- Weekday: $27/hour
- Saturday: $40.50/hour
- Sunday: $54/hour
Earnings Boost: Working 15 hours weekend vs weekday = $405 extra/week ($21,000/year)
Strategy 3: Gain Specialized Skills
High-Value Skills:
- Pharmacy dispenser certification ($28-35/hour)
- Optical dispenser certification ($27-34/hour)
- Trade qualifications (butcher, baker) ($27-35/hour)
- Technical knowledge (electronics, hardware) ($26-32/hour)
Earnings Boost: $3-8/hour more than general retail
Strategy 4: Pursue Commission-Based Roles
Commission Opportunities:
- Luxury retail (jewelry, watches, designer)
- Electronics (high-value items)
- Furniture and homewares
- Automotive
Potential Earnings:
- Base: $23-27/hour
- Commission: $10,000-40,000+/year
- Total: $50,000-100,000+/year
Best For: Strong sales ability, self-motivated individuals
Strategy 5: Progress to Management
Management Salaries:
- Department Manager: $50,000-75,000/year
- Store Manager: $65,000-135,000/year
- Area Manager: $100,000-160,000/year
Timeline:
- ALDI: 2-4 years to Store Manager
- Others: 5-8 years to Store Manager
Earnings Boost: 2-5x entry-level pay
Strategy 6: Work Public Holidays
Public Holiday Pay: 2.5x base rate
Example (21+ at $27/hour):
- Public holiday: $67.50/hour
- 8-hour shift: $540 for the day
Earnings Boost: 8 public holidays/year = $4,320 extra
Strategy 7: Maximize Hours
Full-Time vs Part-Time:
- Part-time (20 hours/week): $28,000/year
- Full-time (38 hours/week): $53,000/year
Earnings Boost: Nearly double by working full-time
Real Earnings Examples
Scenario 1: Entry-Level at ALDI (21+, Full-Time)
Hours: 38 hours/week
Pay: $28/hour average
Weekly: $1,064
Annual: $55,328
Why High: ALDI’s higher base rate + full-time hours
Scenario 2: Woolworths with Weekend Shifts (21+, Part-Time)
Hours: 30 hours/week (15 weekday, 10 Saturday, 5 Sunday)
Earnings:
- 15 hours weekday: $27/hour = $405
- 10 hours Saturday: $40.50/hour = $405
- 5 hours Sunday: $54/hour = $270
Weekly: $1,080
Annual: $56,160
Why High: Weekend penalty rates boost earnings significantly
Scenario 3: JB Hi-Fi Sales with Commission (21+, Full-Time)
Base: $27/hour × 38 hours = $1,026/week
Commission: $200-800/week (varies by sales)
Weekly: $1,226-1,826
Annual: $63,750-95,000
Why High: Commission rewards sales performance
Scenario 4: Bunnings Department Manager
Salary: $65,000/year
Benefits: Staff discount, superannuation
Total Package: ~$72,000/year
Why High: Management responsibility + hardware sector premium
Scenario 5: ALDI Store Manager
Salary: $120,000/year
Benefits: Superannuation, bonuses
Total Package: ~$135,000/year
Why Highest: ALDI pays premium for management + fast progression (2-4 years)
Lowest Paying Retail Jobs (To Avoid if Maximizing Income)
Lowest Pay:
1.Small independent fashion boutiques ($22-25/hour)
2.Discount variety stores ($23-26/hour)
3.Market stalls and casual retail ($22-25/hour)
4.Small gift shops ($22-25/hour)
Why Lower:
- Smaller businesses with tighter margins
- Less specialized knowledge required
- Fewer hours available
- Limited career progression
Conclusion
The highest paying retail jobs in Australia are at ALDI ($27-30/hour base rate), Bunnings ($26-30/hour with hardware premium), and JB Hi-Fi ($25-29/hour with commission potential). Specialized positions like pharmacy dispensers ($28-35/hour) and optical dispensers ($27-34/hour) command premium pay due to required certifications. Management positions offer the highest total compensation, with ALDI Store Managers earning $100,000-135,000/year.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Highest base pay: ALDI ($27-30/hour, 10-30% above competitors)
✅ Best total earnings: Weekend shifts at major supermarkets (penalty rates boost pay)
✅ Highest management: ALDI Store Manager ($100k-135k/year)
✅ Best commission: Luxury retail and electronics ($50k-100k+/year)
✅ Fastest to high pay: ALDI (2-4 years to $100k+ manager role)
✅ Specialized premium: Pharmacy/optical dispensers ($28-35/hour)
Best Strategy to Maximize Retail Earnings:
1.Target high-paying employers (ALDI, Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi)
2.Work weekend shifts (penalty rates = 50-100% more)
3.Gain specialized skills (pharmacy, optical, trade qualifications)
4.Pursue commission roles if you have sales ability
5.Progress to management (2-8 years to $65k-135k/year)
6.Work public holidays (2.5x pay = $67.50/hour)
7.Maximize hours (full-time earns nearly double part-time)
The highest-earning retail workers combine high-paying employers, weekend/holiday shifts, specialized skills, and career progression to management. Choose your employer and strategy based on your skills, priorities, and career goals.
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