What is the legal minimum wage for a store manager in Australia?

The legal minimum depends on the applicable award. Most store managers are covered by the General Retail Industry Award, which sets minimum rates for Level 7 ($32.67/h) or Level 8 ($33.99/h) depending on responsibilities. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44/h applies.

Can a store manager be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the minimum. However, juniors, apprentices, or employees on introductory rates may be paid less, but store managers are typically adult employees. Enterprise agreements can set different rates but must not be less than the award overall.

Does the store manager salary include superannuation?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The employer must contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings to a super fund. The salary figure quoted is before tax and before super.

Store manager salary: which pay floor applies under Australian law

The minimum store manager salary under the General Retail Industry Award (Level 8) is $33.99 per hour or $1,291.80 per week, plus 12% superannuation.

What is the store manager salary pay floor?

When Australians search for a "store manager salary", they often want to know the legal minimum they must be paid. The answer depends on whether the role is covered by an award, an enterprise agreement, or no agreement at all. For most retail store managers, the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) sets the minimum pay floor. The Fair Work Commission reviews award rates each year, and from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates under this award increased by 4.75%.

How the General Retail Industry Award sets minimums

The award classifies retail employees into eight levels. Store managers typically fall into Level 7 or Level 8, depending on the size of the store, the number of staff supervised, and the level of responsibility. Level 8 is the highest classification and applies to a store manager who manages a large store or a department with significant autonomy.

Retail employee levels for store managers

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide and the award itself, the minimum weekly and hourly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

Level 7: $32.67 per hour, $1,241.40 per week
Level 8: $33.99 per hour, $1,291.80 per week

These rates are for full-time adult employees. A store manager working 38 ordinary hours per week at Level 8 would earn a minimum of $1,291.80 before tax. This is the legal floor; many employers pay above the award to attract and retain good managers.

Junior and apprentice rates not typical for store managers

Store managers are almost always adult employees, so junior rates (which apply to employees under 21) are rarely relevant. Apprentice rates also do not apply to store managers. The award’s junior percentages (e.g., 45% for under 16) are for retail employees at Levels 1–3 only, not for management roles.

How store manager salary compares to award minimums and averages

While the award minimum is a useful benchmark, actual store manager salaries can be significantly higher. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. That figure includes all occupations, not just retail managers. A store manager on the Level 8 minimum of $1,291.80 is well below that average, which suggests many store managers are paid above the award.

It is important to separate the legal minimum from a survey average or a negotiated salary. The award rate is the minimum an employer must pay. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate, but never lower. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, check that document for the applicable rate.

For award-free employees (rare in retail), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week applies. However, the award almost always covers retail store managers, so the national minimum is a backstop only.

Superannuation is on top

All salary figures discussed here are before tax and before superannuation. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For a store manager on the Level 8 minimum, that means an extra $154.98 per week in super contributions. This is not deducted from the salary; it is paid on top.

Which pay floor applies to you?

To determine your exact minimum, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or check the rate tables on this site. The award classification depends on your duties, not your job title. If you supervise multiple staff, handle budgets, and have significant decision-making authority, you are likely Level 7 or Level 8.

Remember: the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces those rates. This site provides guidance only, not a legal determination. An award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum, and you should always check the specific instrument that covers your workplace.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.