4 August 2026

The overall average retail wage has risen to $30.94 per hour, up 1% on last year, according to the 2026 Wages Guide from Retail NZ, the peak body representing New Zealand’s retail sector. 

The 2026 Wages Guide provides comprehensive data across 21 retail roles, further broken down by retail sector, spanning everything from frontline sales assistants and delivery drivers, to back-office positions in finance, logistics, and store management and the variances across clothing and footwear, department stores, hardware, homeware and gifts, sports and leisure and supermarkets and grocery.  

The modest lift in the average wage this year is a noticeable slowdown from the 3.4% increase recorded in the 2025 guide, signalling that wage growth across the sector is beginning to ease due to the ongoing economic headwinds facing retail. 

 “Retailers are continuing to manage tight margins and sluggish consumer confidence,” says Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young. “While wage growth has slowed compared to previous years, the average retail wage remains well above the Minimum Wage ($23.95) and Living Wage ($28.95).” 

“Beyond base pay, this guide also outlines just how many benefits are on offer to retail workers. Our survey found more than half of retailers offer staff discounts and opportunities to upskill, 43% offer a commission or incentive based on sales, while 1 in 5 offer KiwiSaver contributions above the minimum requirements. These sorts of perks can be important for staff retention and job satisfaction.”   

Ms Young says with 222,400 Kiwis working across 29,505 retail businesses, the sector remains a critical pillar of New Zealand’s economy.  

“This year’s Wages Guide reinforces that retail offers diverse, dynamic, and well-remunerated career pathways well beyond the traditional shop floor.” 

For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452

View the latest Retail NZ Media Releases