How Much Does Woolworths Pay 16-17 Year Olds in Australia 2026?
Published 02 July 2025 · Updated 15 Mar 2026
Woolworths is one of Australia's most popular employers for teenagers looking for their first job. With hundreds of supermarkets, Metro stores, and distribution centres across the country, the company regularly hires 16 and 17-year-olds for casual and part-time positions. But how much do they actually get paid? This guide breaks down the pay rates for young workers at Woolworths in 2026, covering junior award wages, weekend rates, and what to expect when you land your first shift.
Woolworths Pay Rates for 16 and 17-Year-Olds
Woolworths employees under 18 are paid junior wage rates as set out under the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA). Junior wages are expressed as a percentage of the adult minimum wage for a given classification level. For most entry-level retail roles at Woolworths (such as grocery packer or customer service team member), the applicable rate is a percentage of the Level 1 adult rate under the award.
| Age | Weekday Rate (AUD/hr) | Saturday Rate (AUD/hr) | Sunday Rate (AUD/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 years old | $13.80 – $15.00 | $17.00 – $18.50 | $20.00 – $22.00 |
| 17 years old | $15.50 – $17.00 | $19.00 – $21.00 | $22.00 – $25.00 |
Note: Rates above are approximate ranges based on the GRIA award as of 2026. Actual rates depend on the specific classification, roster, and any enterprise agreement applicable at the store. Always check your pay slip against the Fair Work Australia pay guides for accuracy.
Why Junior Rates Exist
Junior wage rates exist under the Fair Work Act 2009 as a legal mechanism allowing employers to pay workers under 21 a lower rate than the adult minimum. The rationale is that young workers typically have less experience and productivity than adult workers in the same roles. Junior rates scale upward with age — so a 17-year-old earns more than a 16-year-old, and rates increase each birthday until the adult rate applies at age 21.
Penalty Rates and Loadings
Like all Woolworths employees, teenage workers are entitled to penalty rate loadings on top of the base hourly rate for certain shifts. Under the GRIA, penalty rates apply for Saturday work (typically 125% of the base rate), Sunday work (150-175% of base rate), and public holiday work (250% or more). These loading percentages apply to the junior base rate, not the adult rate — so the actual dollar amount is lower than what an adult would receive, but the percentage loading is the same.
Hours and Working Conditions for Under-18s
State and territory laws in Australia place restrictions on how many hours and at what times minors can work. In New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and most other states, workers under 15 have strict limits, but 16 and 17-year-olds can generally work the same hours as adults in retail, subject to school attendance requirements. If you're in Year 11 or 12, your employer is expected to roster you in a way that doesn't interfere with your schooling. It's worth discussing your availability and school commitments clearly during the hiring process.
Getting Your First Woolworths Pay Cheque Right
When you receive your first Woolworths pay slip, check that your classification level, hourly rate, and any overtime or penalty loadings match what you worked. If anything looks incorrect, your first point of contact should be your store manager or team leader. If the issue isn't resolved, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman, which provides free advice and dispute resolution services for employees — including young workers. Woolworths also has an internal payroll support team that handles pay queries.
See Also
- Woolworths Employee Reviews Australia – What Working There Is Really Like
- Woolworths Interview Questions and Answers Australia 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Woolworths hire 15-year-olds?
In some states, 15-year-olds can be employed in retail settings, but restrictions on hours, time of day, and school attendance apply. Woolworths' minimum hiring age varies by state but is generally 15 years old. Age 16 is the more common minimum for casual customer-facing roles at most Woolworths supermarkets.
Does Woolworths pay juniors differently for overtime?
Yes. Overtime rates also apply to junior employees who work beyond standard daily or weekly hours under the GRIA. The overtime loading percentage is the same as for adults, but it's calculated on the lower junior base rate. Overtime rates are typically 150% for the first few hours and 200% for further overtime hours.
How do I know if I'm being paid correctly at Woolworths?
Check the Fair Work Australia Pay Guide for the General Retail Industry Award. You can access this for free at the Fair Work Ombudsman website (fairwork.gov.au). Compare the applicable rate for your age and classification against what appears on your pay slip. If there's a discrepancy, raise it with your manager or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.