Retail Sales Assistant Salary in Melbourne (2026)

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Retail Sales Assistants in Melbourne earn a median salary of $60,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $52,000 and $74,478. That sits 37% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 25 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 30th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne
💰 Retail Sales Assistant · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$52,000 – $74,478
Median: $60,000
Mid level $51,500 – $75,859
Overall $52k–$74k Mid $51k–$75k $49k $55k $61k $66k $72k $78k
⚠ Low confidence 25 listings · 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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $52,000 Median  $60,000 $74,478  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Retail sales assistant is the lowest-paid role in this Melbourne batch: a $60k median, 37% below the city's all-roles figure, one of the largest gaps here. That reflects the entry-level, often part-time-scaled nature of retail floor work rather than any local weakness. The band ($52k to $74,478) is narrow and award-driven. Based on a small sample of 25 listings, treat as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $60,000)

Weekly (net)
~$941
Monthly (net)
~$4,078
Annual (net)
~$48,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $66,900

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 Sales Assistant in Melbourne?
New retail sales assistants in Melbourne start around $52k, close to the award floor. The lift toward the $74,478 top comes from product tier and commission: luxury, electronics or high-value retail pays above general stores, and commission or incentive structures on big-ticket sales can lift take-home well above base. A supervisory or keyholder step adds to it.
Is $60,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $60k the median sits 37% below Melbourne's all-roles median and nets roughly $49k after tax, low even for entry-level work in an expensive city. The gap is normal for retail floor roles, but it is a genuine ceiling, so the realistic path to better money is a step into Assistant Store Manager ($65k) or a commission-heavy luxury or electronics role.
How much does a Senior Retail Sales Assistant make in Melbourne?
There is little senior range within the sales-assistant title, the band tops at $74,478 and that top is usually commission-driven. The real step up is into Assistant Store Manager and Store Manager roles, which means taking on rostering, stock and team responsibility rather than staying on the floor, or moving into high-commission specialty retail.

Other roles in Melbourne

Retail Sales Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $60,000 —
Sydney $60,000 ~same

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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.