Retail Trade

Overview

EMPLOYED

1,338,300

PART-TIME SHARE

50%

WORKFORCE SHARE

9.1%

FEMALE SHARE

55%

MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS

$1,300

MEDIAN AGE

33

Retail Trade is the second largest employing industry. Around 9.1% of workers have their main job in this industry.

Retail Trade businesses are mainly involved in the purchase and onselling of goods to the general public. They usually trade from shop fronts that attract high numbers of walk-in customers, however the industry includes an increasing number of businesses involved in online retailing.

Median earnings are $1,300 per week, lower than all industries median earnings of $1,741.

Details

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    Employment

    Employment in the Retail Trade industry grew over the 20 years to February 2026.
    The number of workers grew by 2,400 (or 0.2%) over the last year.

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    Sectors

    Supermarket and Grocery Stores is the largest sector in the Retail Trade industry, employing 321,100 workers.

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    Occupations

    Sales Assistants (General) is the largest employing occupation in the Retail Trade industry.

    The 10 largest employing occupations are shown below.

    Some occupations are common across a number of industries.

    Largest employing occupations

    Source: Ranked using ABS, Labour Force Survey, 2025, four-quarter average data, customised report.
    ANZSCO CodeOccupation title
    6211Sales Assistants (General)
    1421Retail Managers
    6311Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers
    8912Shelf Fillers
    6215Retail Supervisors
    6214Pharmacy Sales Assistants
    7411Storepersons
    2515Pharmacists
    5911Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks
    6213Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts Salespersons
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      Data Downloads

      Industry data

      This file contains data for all 19 industries to make comparing industry data easy. Information available includes:

      • industry overview
      • industry employment (20-year time series)
      • industry sector employment
      • top employing occupations by industry.

       

      Industry data - February 2026.xlsx

      industry_data_-_february_2026.xlsx123358

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