The average hourly wage of a retail worker is now $26.65, higher than the minimum and living wages, Retail NZ says.
According to the latest Retail NZ Wages Guide the average hourly retail wage had risen 6.4% this year.
The minimum wage is $21.20 an hour and the living wage is $23.65.
Retailers in Auckland were paying the highest rates at $27.94 an hour on average, up 7.5% on last year.
Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford said in addition to high wages, 90% of retailers offered additional benefits to their staff, such as flexibility in hours, discounts, additional training, additional leave and incentives.
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“The wage rates and benefits provided to those working in the retail sector is reflective of a high performing sector that ensures its people are valued and paid well.
“The rates show the diversity of the sector with a variation in rates based on regional location and size of operations.”
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