Retail Assistant Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Retail Assistants in Sydney earn a median salary of $58,292 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $50,000 and $65,000. That sits 39% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 31 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 46th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -13 listings vs last month
💰 Retail Assistant · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$50,000 – $65,000
Median: $58,292
May $55k
Jun $58k
↑ Trending up

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $50,000 – $65,000
Overall $50k–$65k Mid $50k–$65k $48k $52k $55k $59k $63k $66k
Moderate confidence 31 listings (-13 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $50,000 Median  $58,292 $65,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Retail assistant pay in Sydney rose this month, from $55,000 to $58,292, but hiring dropped sharply, from 44 to 31 listings, so wages ticked up while roles thinned. At $58,292 the role sits 39% below the city's $95k all-roles median, near the bottom of the batch, which is expected for an award-anchored retail role in a professional-services city. Brisbane pays a little more ($60k). The mix of rising pay and falling demand is the notable tension here.

Take Home Pay (based on median $58,292)

Weekly (net)
~$920
Monthly (net)
~$3,987
Annual (net)
~$47,840
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $64,995

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 Sydney?
Retail assistant pay in Sydney runs from about $50,000 to $65,000, with the median at $58,292, essentially award territory. The lift comes from product and setting: specialist retail (electronics, jewellery, high-end fashion) and commission or clienteling roles pay more than general floor work. Keyholder and supervisor duties are the concrete step toward the top of the band.
Is $58,292 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $58,292 the role sits 39% below Sydney's all-roles median and nets about $47,800, which is genuinely difficult in one of the country's most expensive cities. This is normal pay for entry retail rather than a specific red flag, but the falling demand adds pressure. The clear route up is a supervisory or Store Manager path, where Sydney pay reaches $70k and beyond.
How much does a Senior Retail Assistant make in Sydney?
There is no senior band, so the ceiling is the $65,000 top of the range. The genuine step up is a title change: Assistant Store Manager ($65k in Sydney) then Store Manager ($70k), or into a specialist commission-based sales role. Taking on rostering, stock, and sales-target ownership for a store is what moves pay out of the assistant band.

Other roles in Sydney

Retail Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $58,292 —
Brisbane $60,000 +3%
Melbourne $56,646 -3%

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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.