Retail Manager Salary: State and Industry Differences in Australia
Understand retail manager salary in Australia, including state-by-state variations, industry context, and how it compares to the national salary index of 100.
Retail manager salary sits at an estimated index of 78, well below the national line of 100, reflecting the retail trade industry's lower pay.
What does "retail manager salary" mean?
When you search for a retail manager salary in Australia, you're looking at the pay for someone who organises and controls the operations of a retail store or service outlet. This includes managing stock, setting prices, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 247,500 retail managers employed across the country, with a median age of 42 and a near-equal split of men and women.
Where does retail manager salary sit on the index?
The national Salary Index benchmark is 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The median weekly earnings for a full-time retail manager are $1,620, or about $84,240 annually. That gives an index of roughly 78 — well below the national line. For context, the retail trade industry as a whole has an index of 75.9, so retail managers sit slightly above the industry average but still far behind sectors like mining (154.7) or professional services (114.7).
State differences in retail manager pay
Where you work as a retail manager matters. The state indices for all occupations show a clear gradient: the ACT (109.9), Western Australia (106.9), and New South Wales (101.2) sit above the national line, while Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6) are lower. Retail managers are concentrated in NSW (31.7%) and Victoria (24.3%), but that doesn't guarantee higher pay — it's the local labour market and cost of living that drive the index.
For example, a retail manager in WA might earn a salary that indexes closer to 107, while a similar role in TAS could index around 89. These are broad benchmarks, not individual quotes, but they show the range. The states page has more detail on how each region compares.
Industry context: retail trade vs the rest
The retail trade industry index is 75.9 — one of the lowest among major industries. That means even a well-paid retail manager is likely to earn less than the average worker in education and training (105.5) or health care (97.8). The gap is even starker compared to mining (154.7). This isn't surprising: retail has thinner margins and more part-time and casual workers, which pulls down the industry average. But retail managers themselves earn more than the retail employees they supervise. The industries page breaks down these differences.
Award rates: a floor, not a target
Retail managers are often not covered by the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004), which sets minimum rates for retail employees. That award, updated from 1 July 2026, pays a Level 1 retail employee $27.81 per hour ($1,056.80 per week) and a Level 8 employee $33.99 per hour ($1,291.80 per week). Managers typically earn above these levels, but the award provides a useful baseline. If you're unsure which award applies, check the pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman's tool.
What about super and tax?
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. On a retail manager salary of $84,240, that adds about $10,109 in super contributions per year. For tax, using the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare), the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and so on. After the 2% Medicare levy, a retail manager earning $84,240 would take home roughly $65,000–$66,000, depending on deductions. The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
Putting it together
A retail manager salary in Australia typically sits around 78 on the Salary Index — below the national average but above the retail industry floor. State location, employer size, and experience all shift that number. If you're comparing roles, look at the weekly or annual figure and index it against the national line of $108,352. That gives you a fair comparison across industries and states. For more on related topics, see the topics page.
Questions people ask
What is the average retail manager salary in Australia?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia data, the median weekly earnings for a full-time retail manager are $1,620, which annualises to about $84,240 before tax. This is below the national all-occupations median of $1,852 per week. The retail trade industry index is 75.9, meaning retail manager pay typically sits around 78 on the Salary Index where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
Are retail managers covered by the General Retail Industry Award?
Generally, no. The General Retail Industry Award (MA000004) covers retail employees (levels 1–8) such as sales assistants and supervisors, but not managers who have authority to hire, fire, or control the business. Retail managers are often award-free or covered by a different award, such as the Managers and Administrative Staff Award, or they may have individual contracts. Always check the specific award or agreement that applies.
How does retail manager pay vary by state?
State-level indices for all occupations show that pay is highest in the ACT (109.9) and Western Australia (106.9), and lowest in Tasmania (88.6). While retail manager pay tends to follow these patterns, the distribution of retail managers is skewed: 31.7% work in NSW and 24.3% in Victoria. A retail manager in WA may earn a higher relative salary than one in TAS, but actual pay depends on the employer, experience, and whether the role is award-covered.