Retail Career Hub

Retail careers: the complete Australian guide

Retail is one of Australia’s largest and most accessible industries. Jobs and Skills Australia estimates that the sector employs over 1.3 million Australians and that demand remains steady nationwide. Retail jobs tend to offer fast entry and clear progression, making it a smart choice whether you’re starting out or stepping into leadership.

Overview of the retail industry in Australia

With a workforce share of about 9.1%, the retail industry spans grocery and everyday essentials, fashion and apparel, homeware, electronics, luxury goods and online-first brands. Retail jobs range from frontline sales and visual merchandising to store management, buying, supply chain and eCommerce operations. This diversity makes it one of the most versatile employment sectors, supporting both short-term work and long-term career paths.

The industry continues to evolve as consumer behaviour shifts. Online retail growth, automation and data-led personalisation are reshaping how retailers operate. Moreover, retail capability is shifting towards omnichannel operations, increasing demand for people who can work across integrated systems and deliver consistent, customer-focused service across channels.

Common jobs in retail

Retail offers a wide range of roles throughout stores, head offices and online operations, so it’s relatively easy to find jobs for varying skills, schedules and career goals.

• Retail sales assistant

Retail sales assistants support day-to-day store operations, deliver customer service, process transactions and maintain displays. These roles make up a large share of retail jobs in Melbourne, Sydney and other city centres.

• Store manager

Store managers lead teams, oversee sales performance, manage rosters and stock and drive customer experience. They are common across retail job vacancies in Melbourne, Sydney and other major shopping precincts.

• Visual merchandiser

Visual merchandisers design in-store layouts and displays to boost sales and brand appeal. This role blends creativity with commercial insight and is in demand across fashion and specialty retail jobs.

• Retail buyer

Retail buyers analyse trends, manage supplier relationships and select products for stores or online channels. These roles shape product ranges and are critical in large retailers and growing eCommerce businesses.

See all retail job descriptions and what each one involves.

Retail salaries and rates

Most entry-level retail jobs in Australia fall under the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004), which sets minimum pay rates, classifications, penalty rates and allowances for full-time, part-time and casual jobs in retail such as sales assistants and stock staff. Base rates for adult employees typically start around the current award rate of about $25–$27 per hour, with higher penalty rates on weekends and public holidays.

In the broader market, experienced roles such as store managers and specialist buyers often earn more. Retail store managers across Australia can expect average salaries from around $70,000 up to over $200,000, depending on store size and responsibility.

Check out our full salary guide for detailed breakdowns.

How to start a career in retail

Most retail careers begin with entry-level roles such as retail assistant, cashier or customer service team member. These roles offer paid, on-the-job learning and fast exposure to real workplaces. From there, progression to supervision, management or specialist roles is common. Formal qualifications are optional, though certificates in retail, business or merchandising can accelerate advancement, particularly for leadership or head-office pathways.

Explore retail career pathways to see different ways to get started.

Essential skills and qualifications

Retail employers prioritise strong communication, reliability and customer focus over formal credentials. Confidence with point-of-sale systems, basic digital tools and stock processes is valuable, while leadership and commercial awareness support progression. Soft skills like problem-solving, adaptability and teamwork are critical in fast-paced environments. For senior or specialist roles, experience remains the strongest differentiator, but qualifications in business, marketing or supply chain can add weight.

Check our skills guide to see what retail employers look for.

Find retail jobs in Sydney, Melbourne and other locations today

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Explore retail jobs in Melbourne City, Sydney and across Australia today or branch out into other sectors when you’re ready.