Retail Trade
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Retail Trade is the second largest employing industry. Around 9.7% 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.
Many jobs are lower skilled and on the job training is common. Around 61% of workers do not have post-school qualifications.
Around half of those with their main job in this industry work full-time hours.
Average earnings are $795 per week, lower the all industries average of $1,200.
Employment
Employment in the Retail Trade industry grew over the 20 years to November 2022.
The number of workers:
- fell by 34,600 (or 2.5%) over the last quarter
- grew by 45,600 (or 3.5%) over the last year.
Quarterly employment update, Retail Trade industry
Source: ABS, Labour Force Survey, Detailed, November 2022, seasonally adjusted.
Outlook
Employment in Retail Trade is projected to grow by 55,100 (or 4.3%) over the five years to November 2026.
Employment levels, past and projected, Retail Trade
Source: ABS, Labour Force Survey, Detailed, November 2021, seasonally adjusted and Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.
Sectors
Supermarket and Grocery Stores is the largest sector in the Retail Trade industry, employing 25.5% of workers.
Employment by sector, Retail Trade industry
Source: ABS, Labour Force Survey, Detailed, November 2022, seasonally adjusted.
Occupations
Largest employing occupations
Sales Assistants (General) is the largest employing occupation in the Retail Trade industry.
The 10 largest employing occupations are shown below. The table shows:
- the number employed in all industries
- the number employed in this industry
- the proportion employed in this industry.
Some occupations are common across a number of industries.
Largest employing occupations, Retail Trade industry
ANZSCO Code | Occupation title |
Employment |
Employment (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
6211 | Sales Assistants (General) | 543,500 | 397,700 | 73% |
1421 | Retail Managers | 249,100 | 163,500 | 66% |
6311 | Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers | 135,100 | 103,700 | 77% |
8912 | Shelf Fillers | 71,900 | 69,400 | 97% |
7411 | Storepersons | 155,000 | 39,300 | 25% |
6215 | Retail Supervisors | 41,800 | 34,100 | 82% |
6214 | Pharmacy Sales Assistants | 33,400 | 32,900 | 99% |
2515 | Pharmacists | 37,000 | 26,000 | 70% |
6213 | Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts Salespersons | 32,300 | 23,600 | 73% |
5911 | Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks | 91,700 | 19,500 | 21% |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, four quarter average, 2021.
Related occupations
The Wholesale Trade industry employs workers in a range of occupations.
The table below shows related occupations by ANZSCO Skill Level (Skill Level 1 is the highest skill level). This includes occupations that:
- contribute a large share of industry employment (account for at least 3% of industry employment)
- have a large share of workers in this industry (at least 5% of workers in an occupation).
These thresholds were used as a guide only and a number refinements were made to the list of occupations included.
The table shows the total number of people employed in each occupation as well as the number and proportion employed in this industry at the time of the 2016 ABS Census.
- In most cases, 6-digit ANZSCO occupations are shown. This is the most detailed level of ANZSCO.
- 4-digit occupations are shown where the ANZSCO classification system only has one valid 6-digit occupation.
- The 4-digit employment figures will differ from the figures shown in the Largest employment occupations table above because the figures have come from different data sources.
Expand or collapse each Skill Level button to view related occupations.
Occupations related to Retail Trade industry, by skill level
ANZSCO code | Occupation title | Employment (all industries) |
Employed (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
251513 | Retail Pharmacist | 18,656 | 16,378 | 88% |
131112 | Sales and Marketing Manager | 93,896 | 13,019 | 14% |
225113 | Marketing Specialist | 47,537 | 4,004 | 8% |
225411 | Sales Representative (Industrial Products) | 15,739 | 1,787 | 11% |
232411 | Graphic Designer | 25,051 | 1,257 | 5% |
225213 | ICT Sales Representative | 6,922 | 1,086 | 16% |
232311 | Fashion Designer | 2,981 | 998 | 33% |
133312 | Wholesaler | 10,948 | 903 | 8% |
225412 | Sales Representative (Medical and Pharmaceutical Products) | 8,343 | 889 | 11% |
133612 | Procurement Manager | 7,028 | 714 | 10% |
252213 | Naturopath | 2,687 | 426 | 16% |
251511 | Hospital Pharmacist | 3,660 | 402 | 11% |
232312 | Industrial Designer | 3,078 | 292 | 9% |
225211 | ICT Account Manager | 4,058 | 272 | 7% |
133311 | Importer or Exporter | 3,585 | 214 | 6% |
232313 | Jewellery Designer | 556 | 147 | 26% |
225212 | ICT Business Development Manager | 2,814 | 136 | 5% |
211499 | Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals nec | 1,557 | 133 | 9% |
251112 | Nutritionist | 794 | 126 | 16% |
212411 | Copywriter | 1,943 | 98 | 5% |
211412 | Potter or Ceramic Artist | 461 | 28 | 6% |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
ANZSCO code | Occupation title | Employment (all industries) |
Employed (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
142111 | Retail Manager (General) | 164,975 | 115,785 | 70% |
149212 | Customer Service Manager | 32,559 | 4,484 | 14% |
311215 | Pharmacy Technician | 5,519 | 3,812 | 69% |
2325 | Interior Designer | 8,758 | 864 | 10% |
142112 | Antique Dealer | 690 | 637 | 92% |
313113 | Web Administrator | 2,477 | 427 | 17% |
149411 | Fleet Manager | 2,985 | 225 | 8% |
142114 | Hair or Beauty Salon Manager | 4,419 | 220 | 5% |
399912 | Interior Decorator | 1,454 | 167 | 11% |
142115 | Post Office Manager | 3,032 | 120 | 4% |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
ANZSCO code | Occupation title | Employment (all industries) |
Employed (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 69,123 | 12,789 | 19% |
3512 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker | 15,295 | 12,635 | 83% |
3621 | Florist | 5,193 | 4,855 | 93% |
351111 | Baker | 16,741 | 4,701 | 28% |
639211 | Retail Buyer | 3,970 | 3,184 | 80% |
5522 | Credit or Loans Officer | 25,516 | 1,640 | 6% |
3514 | Cook | 39,890 | 1,481 | 4% |
3994 | Jeweller | 3,300 | 1,449 | 44% |
399514 | Make Up Artist | 2,377 | 903 | 38% |
351112 | Pastrycook | 6,388 | 900 | 14% |
394212 | Picture Framer | 1,388 | 828 | 60% |
321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic | 1,802 | 713 | 40% |
321214 | Small Engine Mechanic | 1,530 | 522 | 34% |
3321 | Floor Finisher | 7,541 | 501 | 7% |
393213 | Dressmaker or Tailor | 4,987 | 475 | 10% |
3624 | Nurseryperson | 2,629 | 461 | 18% |
323316 | Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer | 602 | 165 | 27% |
611112 | Stock and Station Agent | 1,918 | 155 | 8% |
323311 | Engraver | 374 | 85 | 23% |
393212 | Clothing Patternmaker | 390 | 82 | 21% |
393114 | Shoemaker | 886 | 81 | 9% |
611111 | Auctioneer | 585 | 66 | 11% |
323215 | Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic | 241 | 57 | 24% |
393299 | Clothing Trades Workers nec | 167 | 49 | 29% |
393112 | Leather Goods Maker | 414 | 28 | 7% |
393211 | Apparel Cutter | 330 | 20 | 6% |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
ANZSCO code | Occupation title | Employment (all industries) |
Employed (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
6214 | Pharmacy Sales Assistant | 32,939 | 31,584 | 96% |
7411 | Storeperson | 98,510 | 25,340 | 26% |
6215 | Retail Supervisor | 27,163 | 22,055 | 81% |
621311 | Motor Vehicle or Caravan Salesperson | 16,736 | 14,199 | 85% |
621312 | Motor Vehicle Parts Interpreter | 15,229 | 8,976 | 59% |
611314 | Sales Representative (Personal and Household Goods) | 26,403 | 8,685 | 33% |
591115 | Stock Clerk | 16,616 | 6,255 | 38% |
7213 | Forklift Driver | 44,420 | 4,983 | 11% |
7321 | Delivery Driver | 37,794 | 4,617 | 12% |
5412 | Information Officer | 53,555 | 3,848 | 7% |
591116 | Warehouse Administrator | 15,084 | 3,230 | 21% |
6395 | Visual Merchandiser | 4,421 | 3,115 | 70% |
6399 | Other Sales Support Worker | 5,041 | 2,953 | 59% |
611399 | Sales Representatives nec | 16,826 | 2,498 | 15% |
591117 | Order Clerk | 12,532 | 2,171 | 17% |
431112 | Barista | 36,270 | 2,142 | 6% |
611313 | Sales Representative (Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories) | 3,580 | 1,875 | 52% |
591211 | Despatching and Receiving Clerk | 21,614 | 1,768 | 8% |
899415 | Tyre Fitter | 6,026 | 1,651 | 27% |
591113 | Purchasing Officer | 13,877 | 1,438 | 10% |
611311 | Sales Representative (Building and Plumbing Supplies) | 9,110 | 1,381 | 15% |
899411 | Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General) | 1,807 | 716 | 40% |
7116 | Sewing Machinist | 6,486 | 585 | 9% |
7114 | Photographic Developer and Printer | 1,133 | 358 | 32% |
831211 | Meat Boner and Slicer | 6,044 | 295 | 5% |
361113 | Pet Groomer | 4,025 | 249 | 6% |
451512 | Weight Loss Consultant | 532 | 211 | 40% |
839311 | Product Examiner | 3,611 | 207 | 6% |
451814 | Body Artist | 2,391 | 140 | 6% |
399915 | Photographer's Assistant | 558 | 49 | 9% |
899414 | Radiator Repairer | 257 | 45 | 18% |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
ANZSCO code | Occupation title | Employment (all industries) |
Employed (this industry) |
Proportion employed in this industry |
6211 | Sales Assistant (General) | 512,086 | 361,455 | 71% |
631111 | Checkout Operator | 94,011 | 77,679 | 83% |
8912 | Shelf Filler | 50,154 | 48,561 | 97% |
6216 | Service Station Attendant | 9,953 | 9,142 | 92% |
8111 | Car Detailer | 14,207 | 4,463 | 31% |
6212 | ICT Sales Assistant | 12,141 | 4,395 | 36% |
639112 | Sales Demonstrator | 8,911 | 3,663 | 41% |
631112 | Office Cashier | 7,062 | 3,395 | 48% |
832199 | Packers nec | 10,859 | 1,935 | 18% |
621712 | Door-to-door Salesperson | 3,921 | 1,642 | 42% |
851211 | Pastrycook's Assistant | 3,087 | 1,579 | 51% |
4312 | Cafe Worker | 29,051 | 1,578 | 5% |
832114 | Meat Packer | 8,951 | 1,383 | 15% |
561999 | Clerical and Office Support Workers nec | 7,775 | 1,172 | 15% |
621999 | Sales Assistants and Salespersons nec | 4,118 | 1,157 | 28% |
899922 | Trolley Collector | 1,965 | 1,113 | 57% |
442215 | Retail Loss Prevention Officer | 1,288 | 947 | 74% |
6393 | Telemarketer | 6,404 | 784 | 12% |
899911 | Bicycle Mechanic | 1,057 | 739 | 70% |
832113 | Fruit and Vegetable Packer | 5,956 | 708 | 12% |
891111 | Freight Handler (Rail or Road) | 6,374 | 593 | 9% |
841412 | Horticultural Nursery Assistant | 4,996 | 430 | 9% |
621713 | Street Vendor | 696 | 382 | 55% |
621711 | Cash Van Salesperson | 1,350 | 368 | 27% |
831311 | Meat Process Worker | 8,663 | 342 | 4% |
8997 | Vending Machine Attendant | 4,790 | 313 | 7% |
621912 | Rental Salesperson | 4,353 | 246 | 6% |
851299 | Food Trades Assistants nec | 935 | 241 | 26% |
831313 | Seafood Process Worker | 1,621 | 178 | 11% |
831113 | Confectionery Maker | 2,042 | 158 | 8% |
899916 | Mechanic's Assistant | 1,271 | 148 | 12% |
839914 | Fabric and Textile Factory Worker | 857 | 119 | 14% |
639111 | Model | 562 | 75 | 13% |
832111 | Chocolate Packer | 429 | 64 | 15% |
832115 | Seafood Packer | 425 | 50 | 12% |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Data Downloads
Industry profile data
This file contains data for all 19 industries to make comparing industry data easy. Information available includes:
- Industry snapshot data
- Industry employment (20-year time series)
- Industry employment projections
- Industry sector employment
- Top employing occupations by industry
Occupations related to each Industry, by Skill Level
This spreadsheet lists occupations that are related to each industry by ANZSCO Skill Level.
Occupation (ANZSCO) to industry (ANZSIC) correspondence
This file maps occupations to industries using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC).
Data are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016 Census.
The purposes of the correspondence are to:
- Identify occupations that contribute a large share of employment to each industry.
- Identify occupations that have a strong association with each industry, even if they do not contribute a large share of employment to the industry.
Useful links
Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC)
The ANZSIC provides a basis for the standardised collection, analysis and dissemination of economic data on an industry basis for Australia and New Zealand. The ANZSIC is a hierarchical industry classification with four levels, namely Divisions (the broadest level), Subdivisions, Groups and Classes (the finest level).
There are 19 Division level industries, most industry data on LMI are displayed at this level. Division level industries provide a broad overall picture of the economy and this level is most suitable for the publication of summary tables in official statistics.
The Subdivision, Group and Class levels provide increasingly detailed dissections of these categories for the compilation of more specific and detailed statistics. The sector data on LMI is at the Group level.
For more information on the ANZSIC visit the ABS website.
Industry links
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Administrative and Support Services
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
- Arts and Recreation Services
- Construction
- Education and Training
- Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
- Financial and Insurance Services
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Information Media and Telecommunications
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Other Services
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Public Administration and Safety
- Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
- Retail Trade
- Transport, Postal and Warehousing
- Wholesale Trade