Sales assistants is the top employing occupation in the industry, characterised by a predominantly female and largely part‑time workforce.
Largest employing occupations within the industry by sex, employed part-time and highest education attainment
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
Number employed by sex², ABS Census 2021
Occupation | Number of workers | Percentage male | Percentage female |
|---|---|---|---|
Sales assistants (general) | 95,000 | 33% | 67% |
Retail managers | 33,400 | 49% | 51% |
Checkout operators and office cashiers | 20,100 | 27% | 73% |
Shelf fillers | 14,100 | 67% | 33% |
Storepersons | 9,700 | 63% | 37% |
Pharmacy sales assistants | 8,600 | 15% | 85% |
Retail supervisors | 6,600 | 43% | 57% |
Motor vehicle and vehicle parts salespersons | 5,100 | 83% | 17% |
Pharmacists | 5,100 | 41% | 59% |
Purchasing and supply logistics clerks | 4,600 | 49% | 51% |
Percentage working part-time in 2021
Occupation | Percentage working part-time |
|---|---|
Sales assistants (general) | 78% |
Retail managers | 28% |
Checkout operators and office cashiers | 90% |
Shelf fillers | 81% |
Storepersons | 52% |
Pharmacy sales assistants | 78% |
Retail supervisors | 34% |
Motor vehicle and vehicle parts salespersons | 25% |
Pharmacists | 40% |
Purchasing and supply logistics clerks | 32% |
Highest educational attainment in 2021
Occupation | Percentage VET | Percentage higher education | Percentage no post-school qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
Sales assistants (general) | 20% | 17% | 63% |
Retail managers | 29% | 29% | 42% |
Checkout operators and office cashiers | 15% | 13% | 72% |
Shelf fillers | 16% | 13% | 71% |
Storepersons | 24% | 19% | 57% |
Pharmacy sales assistants | 20% | 16% | 64% |
Retail supervisors | 26% | 22% | 52% |
Motor vehicle and vehicle parts salespersons | 34% | 12% | 54% |
Pharmacists | 1% | 91% | 8% |
Purchasing and supply logistics clerks | 27% | 31% | 42% |
Updated