How Much Does Target Pay 16-17 Year Olds in Australia 2026?

Target Australia is a popular choice for young people looking for their first retail job. With stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional centres, Target offers casual and part-time positions that are often suitable for students. If you're 16 or 17 and considering applying to Target, this guide explains exactly how much you can expect to earn in 2026, how junior pay rates work under Australian law, and what your rights are as a young worker.

Target Australia Junior Pay Rates

Target Australia employees are covered by the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA), which sets minimum pay rates for retail workers across the country. Junior employees — those under 21 — are paid a percentage of the relevant adult rate, with the percentage increasing each year until the full adult rate applies. Most entry-level Target roles for young workers include customer service team member, fitting room attendant, and merchandise support.

Age	Weekday Rate (AUD/hr)	Saturday Rate (AUD/hr)	Sunday Rate (AUD/hr)
16 years old	$13.80 – $15.00	$17.25 – $18.75	$20.00 – $22.00
17 years old	$15.50 – $17.00	$19.50 – $21.25	$22.50 – $25.00

These rates are approximate and based on the GRIA as of 2026. Actual rates at Target may vary slightly based on the enterprise agreement in place at any given time. Always verify your specific rate via your employment contract and pay slip.

Understanding Junior Wage Percentages

Australia's Fair Work Act 2009 permits junior wage rates as a legal exception to the adult minimum wage. Under the General Retail Industry Award, a 16-year-old working in Level 1 retail receives approximately 60% of the adult minimum wage for that classification. A 17-year-old receives around 70%. These percentages increase at 18 (80%), 19 (90%), and reach 100% at 20 or 21 depending on the award classification. This graduated pay scale means that as you gain more experience and get older, your hourly rate automatically increases even without a promotion.

Penalty Rates for Teenage Target Workers

All Target employees, including junior workers, are entitled to penalty rates for weekend and public holiday shifts. Saturday penalty rates are typically 125% of your base rate, Sunday rates are generally 150–175%, and public holiday rates can be 250% or more. For a 17-year-old earning a base rate of around $16 per hour on weekdays, a Sunday shift at 150% would bring the effective rate to approximately $24 per hour. Penalty rates make weekend work financially worthwhile for student workers, which is why most Target stores prefer casual junior staff for weekend shifts.

Target Australia: What the Job Is Actually Like

Working at Target as a first job is a common rite of passage for Australian teenagers. The work involves helping customers locate products, restocking shelves, operating the fitting rooms, and assisting at self-service checkouts. The pace varies — some stores are consistently busy, while smaller regional or suburban Target stores may have quieter periods. Most young employees describe the experience as a good introduction to working life: learning how to deal with customers, manage time, and work as part of a team.

Working Hours and School Commitments

Target is generally accommodating of school schedules for 16 and 17-year-old employees. During school terms, shifts are typically rostered in the afternoons, evenings, and on weekends. In Queensland, school-aged employees (those under the leaving age) have additional legal protections around working during school hours. Be upfront with your Target store manager about your availability and any important academic commitments to ensure your roster works for both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Target hire 15-year-olds in Australia?

Target Australia's minimum hiring age is generally 15 in most states, though this can vary by store and location. At 15, working hours are more restricted under child employment laws. Most practical first opportunities at Target open up at age 16, when restrictions ease and availability for afternoon and weekend shifts becomes more workable.

What is the difference between Target junior rates and adult rates?

The difference depends on your age. At 16, junior rates are approximately 60% of the adult rate for the same Level 1 classification. The gap narrows with each birthday, and by age 20 or 21 you're entitled to the full adult minimum wage. The key is that the percentage loading for penalty rates (weekends, public holidays) applies equally to both junior and adult workers — you just receive a lower dollar amount because your base rate is lower.

Can I negotiate my hours at Target as a casual employee?

As a casual employee, you're offered shifts on an as-needed basis and you can generally accept or decline them based on your availability. You should communicate your available hours clearly in your employment preferences, and updates to your availability should be discussed with your store manager. Casual employees don't have a guaranteed minimum number of hours per week.