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Retail Assistant

A Retail Assistant supports customers in shops or department stores by answering inquiries, processing payments, and monitoring stock levels.

How do I become a retail assistant

Get qualified to work as a retail assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Retail Assistant generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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This industry has seen a decrease in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 474,000 people employed as a Retail Assistant in Australia compared to 519,600 five years ago. Retail Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re interested in a career as a Retail Assistant, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Retail. You’ll develop a range of skills required in a retail environment such as communication, personal presentation and responding to security risks. You could also specialise your skills with a Certificate II in Retail Services (Food Speciality) or a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics.

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Further reading

Most popular retail courses

21st July 2022

What can you do with a Certificate III in Retail?

13th October 2020

How to start a career as a Personal Assistant

2nd December 2021

All retail assistant courses

Retail Assistant careers

A Retail Assistant helps customers in a retail environment such as a small shop or large department store. You might assist with enquiries, provide advice on products or services or process payment transactions. Retail Assistants may also create promotional displays and monitor stock levels. You might sell a range of products at your workplace or specialise in a particular type of product or service.

Retail Assistants should enjoy interacting with people and have excellent customer service skills. It’s important that you can communicate well with customers and work as part of a team. Depending on their workplace, Retail Assistants may have to work on weekends, at night or on public holidays.