MA000004 · Classifications 2026

Retail Award Levels Explained

Every adult classification under the Retail Award (MA000004) with current full-time and casual rates — and how to tell which level a role belongs at. Rates current as at 2026-07-01, sourced from the FWO Pay Guide.

Quick answer

The Retail Award (MA000004) classifies adult employees across the levels below, with 2026 full-time rates from $27.81 to $33.99 per hour; casual rates include the 25% loading. A role's level is set by its actual duties as defined in the award — not its job title. The step from Retail Employee Level 1 to Retail Employee Level 2 is $0.64/hour full-time. Full tables below, or ask Fitz to classify a specific role.

Every Classification & 2026 Rate

ClassificationFull-time /hrCasual /hr*
Retail Employee Level 1$27.81$34.76
Retail Employee Level 2$28.45$35.56
Retail Employee Level 3$28.89$36.11
Retail Employee Level 4$29.45$36.81
Retail Employee Level 5$30.66$38.33
Retail Employee Level 6$31.11$38.89
Retail Employee Level 7$32.67$40.84
Retail Employee Level 8$33.99$42.49

*Casual rates include the 25% casual loading, as published in the FWO Pay Guide MA000004. Junior, apprentice and trainee rates differ — ask Fitz for those.

How to Read the Levels

The award classifies the work, not the title. Whether a shop assistant, keyholder or department manager sits at one level or the next depends on the duties actually performed, the skills and qualifications the role requires, and the responsibility it carries — each defined in the award's classification schedule. Misclassifying downward creates an underpayment that compounds every pay run; misclassifying upward is money you didn't need to spend.

If you're unsure, describe the role to Fitz — the classification wizard walks the Retail Award structure with you and returns the level and current rate. Or start from the full pay-rates tables and the complete award guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the classification levels under the Retail Award?
The Retail Award (MA000004) classifies adult employees across the levels listed above, with 2026 full-time rates running from $27.81 to $33.99 per hour. Each classification's duties are defined in the award itself — the tables here show the current minimum pay for each level.
What's the difference between Retail Employee Level 1 and Retail Employee Level 2?
In pay, $0.64 per hour full-time ($27.81 vs $28.45). In duties, the award defines what work belongs at each level — broadly, higher levels reflect more skill, qualifications or responsibility. If you're not sure which level a shop assistant, keyholder or department manager sits at, Fitz's classification wizard walks the award structure with you.
What do casuals get paid at each level?
Casual rates include the 25% casual loading. For example, Retail Employee Level 1 pays $27.81 full-time and $34.76 casual. The tables above show both rates for every classification.
How do I work out which classification applies to a role?
Match the role's actual duties — not the job title — to the award's classification definitions. Getting it wrong in either direction creates underpayment risk or overspend. Describe the role to Fitz and the classification wizard maps it to the right level with the current rate, free to start.

Classify Any Role in Minutes

Describe the job — Fitz maps it to the right Retail Award level with the current rate. Free to start, no card required.

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