Australian Jobs 2021
Retail Trade
Annual Employment Growth (%)
Retail Trade was one of the industries most severely affected by COVID-19, however, employment in the industry has rebounded strongly. Across 2020, 21% of businesses in this industry reported that COVID-19 had a positive impact on their business, likely driven by increased sales volume at grocery stores and for home office equipment such as electronics and furniture. Retail Trade remains Australia’s second largest employing industry.
Top employing occupations
| Occupations | This industry | All industries |
|---|---|---|
| General Sales Assistants | 389,800 | 586,200 |
| Retail Managers | 153,200 | 262,500 |
| Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers | 118,600 | 142,100 |
| Shelf Fillers | 62,800 | 65,000 |
| Storepersons | 36,800 | 137,900 |
| Pharmacy Sales Assistants | 36,100 | 38,200 |
| Retail Supervisors | 33,600 | 44,400 |
| Pharmacists | 28,600 | 42,600 |
| Motor Vehicle and Vehicle Parts Salespersons | 24,700 | 27,800 |
| Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks | 18,200 | 94,000 |
| Butchers and Smallgoods Makers | 16,100 | 20,700 |
| Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers | 15,200 | 156,500 |
| Sales Representatives | 14,900 | 65,900 |
| General Clerks | 12,600 | 311,200 |
| Motor Mechanics | 12,600 | 106,600 |
| Service Station Attendants | 9,100 | 9,600 |
| Accounting Clerks | 10,600 | 144,100 |
| Packers | 9,900 | 71,300 |
| Advertising and Marketing Professionals | 9,800 | 88,900 |
| Delivery Drivers | 9,700 | 74,900 |
Retail employs more young people than most other industries. This is because entry level roles within the industry generally do not require prior experience or qualifications, with half the workers having no post-school qualifications. Many occupations in the industry can also provide flexible hours, allowing work around school and other commitments.
It is important to remember that jobs in this industry might not always be formally advertised. When looking for work in Retail Trade remember to ask friends, family and any other contacts if they are aware of any job opportunities. Opportunities might be available by word-of-mouth, or via signs in shop windows and through social media.
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.