Retail Assistant Salary in Melbourne (2026)

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Retail Assistants in Melbourne earn a median salary of $55,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $50,000 and $69,550. That sits 41% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 36 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 55th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Retail Assistant · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$50,000 – $69,550
Median: $55,000
Mid level $50,000 – $65,000
Overall $50k–$69k Mid $50k–$65k $48k $53k $57k $62k $67k $71k
Moderate confidence 36 listings · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 36 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 13.9% stated a salary directly. The remaining 86.1% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Fewer than a quarter of these listings stated a salary, so the median leans heavily on estimates.

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Bottom 10%  $50,000 Median  $55,000 $69,550  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

This role has no August comparison in the data, so there is no trend to read yet. At 41.4% below the city median it is the widest gap between any role and its city anywhere in this report. Melbourne also pays the least of any market for this work at $55,000, with Adelaide at $62,000 and Brisbane, Perth and Sydney all at $60,000. Only 13.9% of listings stated a salary, so treat the figure as directional, though award rates make the level unsurprising.

Take Home Pay (based on median $55,000)

Weekly (net)
~$879
Monthly (net)
~$3,811
Annual (net)
~$45,733
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $61,325

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Retail Assistant in Melbourne?
Entry is $50,000, at or close to the full-time retail award minimum. Commission structures in categories like electronics, furniture and automotive are what lift earnings above base. Assistant store manager roles at $65,000 are the standard next step for anyone staying in retail.
Is $55,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $55,000 a retail assistant earns 41.4% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $879 a week against the highest living costs in this report. This is the lowest-paying role in the entire Melbourne data set and the worst role-to-city position anywhere in this report. It is a starting position rather than a career salary.
How much does a Senior Retail Assistant make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $69,000, and the mid band stops at $65,000, so there is almost no progression inside the title. Assistant store manager at $65,000 and store manager at $73,000 are the retail progression, though both are modest steps. Sales consulting at $75,000 uses the same customer skills commercially and pays $20,000 more.

Other roles in Melbourne

Retail Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $55,000 0%
Adelaide $62,366 +13%
Brisbane $60,000 +9%
Perth $60,000 +9%
Sydney $60,000 +9%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.