Working at Aldi Australia
Aldi is a German-owned discount supermarket chain known for its no-frills approach, low prices, and efficient operations. With over 590 stores across Australia, Aldi offers a different kind of retail job - one where you'll learn to do everything in the store, work at a fast pace, and get paid above-award rates for your efforts. If you're 16 or older and want a job that keeps you active, Aldi could be a great fit.
Quick Facts
- Minimum age:
- 16 years
- Average pay (under 18):
- $15-$21/hour (above award)
- How to apply:
- Online at careers.aldi.com.au
- Common teen roles:
- Store Assistant (all-rounder role)
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Aldi?
Aldi hires team members from 16 years old. This is older than some other supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles (which hire from 14 years 9 months) because Aldi operates with a lean staffing model where every team member performs all store tasks.
Important: Aldi only operates in certain Australian states. Here's what you need to know:
| State | Aldi Stores? | Minimum Age | State Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes (200+ stores) | 16 years | No permit required |
| Victoria | Yes (150+ stores) | 16 years | No permit required (Aldi min age is 16+) |
| Queensland | Yes (130+ stores) | 16 years | No permit required |
| South Australia | Yes (50+ stores) | 16 years | No permit required |
| Western Australia | Yes (60+ stores) | 16 years | No permit required |
| Tasmania | No stores | N/A | Aldi doesn't operate in TAS |
| ACT | No stores | N/A | Aldi doesn't operate in ACT |
| Northern Territory | No stores | N/A | Aldi doesn't operate in NT |
If you live in Tasmania, ACT, or the Northern Territory and want a supermarket job, check out Woolworths or Coles instead.
What Jobs Can Teens Do at Aldi?
Unlike other supermarkets that have separate roles (trolley collector, checkout operator, shelf stacker), Aldi has one main entry-level position: Store Assistant. This "all-rounder" approach means you'll learn every aspect of running a store.
Store Assistant (All-Rounder)
As a Store Assistant at Aldi, your shift could include any combination of these tasks:
- Checkout: Operating the register, scanning items quickly, and processing payments. Aldi is famous for its fast checkout process - customers load items onto a belt, you scan at speed, and they pack at a separate bench. The registers have seated positions, which is a nice difference from standing checkouts at other stores.
- Shelf stocking: Unpacking pallets and restocking shelves. Aldi's products are often displayed in their original cardboard boxes, which makes restocking faster but still requires lifting and carrying.
- Store presentation: Keeping the store clean and tidy, including sweeping, facing up products, and maintaining the Special Buys area where weekly deals are displayed.
- Customer assistance: Helping customers find products, answering questions, and maintaining a friendly shopping environment.
- Opening and closing: Assisting with store opening procedures in the morning or closing procedures in the evening.
The variety means no two shifts are exactly the same, and you develop a broad range of skills. However, it also means you need to be comfortable with all aspects of the job - there's no option to "just do checkout" if that's your preference.
What Makes Aldi Different
A few things set Aldi apart from other supermarkets:
- Lean staffing: Aldi operates with fewer staff than other supermarkets, so everyone works efficiently and stays busy throughout their shift.
- Fast-paced environment: Things move quickly at Aldi. Checkout scanning rates are expected to be high, and restocking is done rapidly to keep up with customer demand.
- No loyalty cards or complicated promotions: This keeps things simpler at the checkout compared to other retailers.
- Smaller store format: Aldi stores are typically smaller than Woolworths or Coles, which means less walking but a faster pace of work.
How Much Does Aldi Pay?
Aldi is known for paying above-award rates - typically 10-15% higher than the General Retail Industry Award that most supermarkets follow. This is to compensate for the faster-paced work environment and higher productivity expectations.
Here are approximate pay rates for junior workers at Aldi:
| Age | Weekday Rate (approx) | Weekend Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 years | $15-$16/hour | $19-$24/hour |
| 17 years | $17-$19/hour | $22-$28/hour |
| 18 years | $20-$22/hour | $26-$33/hour |
| 19 years | $23-$25/hour | $29-$37/hour |
| 20 years | $25-$27/hour | $32-$40/hour |
Penalty rates apply for weekends and public holidays. Saturday shifts typically pay 125% of the base rate, and Sunday shifts pay 150% or more. Public holidays pay even higher rates.
If you're comparing pay, Aldi generally works out to more per hour than Woolworths or Coles. The trade-off is the faster pace and higher expectations. Many young workers find the extra pay worth the increased intensity.
How to Apply for a Job at Aldi
Aldi uses an online application system. Here's how to apply step by step:
- Visit the Aldi careers website - Go to careers.aldi.com.au and look for "Store Roles" or "Store Assistant" positions.
- Search for jobs near you - Enter your postcode or suburb to find stores that are hiring. Aldi doesn't always have positions open at every store, so you may need to check back regularly or be willing to travel to a store that's currently hiring.
- Create an account - You'll need to set up a candidate profile with your email address. Make sure you use an email you check regularly, as that's how they'll contact you.
- Complete the application - Fill in your personal details, work availability, and answer any screening questions. Be realistic about your availability - Aldi values reliability and flexibility.
- Upload your resume (recommended) - Even if it's your first job, having a basic resume shows you're serious about the role.
- Submit and wait - After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. If successful, Aldi will contact you within 2-4 weeks to arrange an interview. Their hiring process can take longer than other retailers due to their selective approach.
Aldi is known for being more selective than some other supermarkets. They look for candidates who can demonstrate efficiency, reliability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately - their hiring process is thorough.
Interview Tips for Aldi
If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview. Aldi interviews focus on finding people who fit their efficient, fast-paced culture. Here's how to prepare:
What to Wear
Dress neatly and presentably - smart casual works well. Aldi's culture is practical rather than flashy, so clean, tidy clothes are more important than anything formal. Avoid anything too casual like ripped jeans or thongs.
Common Interview Questions
Aldi interviews often include questions like:
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Aldi
- How do you handle working under pressure or in a fast-paced environment?
- Describe a time when you had to work efficiently to meet a deadline
- How would you handle a long line of customers at the checkout?
- What does good customer service mean to you?
- What do you know about Aldi? What makes us different?
- Are you comfortable with physical work like lifting and carrying boxes?
Key Things Aldi Looks For
Aldi values these qualities in team members:
- Efficiency - Show that you can work quickly and get things done
- Reliability - Emphasise that you'll show up on time and complete your shifts
- Flexibility - Being willing to do any task in the store is essential
- Physical capability - The job involves lifting, carrying, and being on your feet
- Teamwork - Aldi teams are small and everyone relies on each other
What to Bring
Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, photo ID, and something to take notes with.
Having your TFN ready is also helpful, as they'll need it if you're offered the job.
Aldi interviews typically take 20-30 minutes. If successful, they'll contact you within a week to make an offer. You'll then complete paperwork and training before starting on the floor.
Getting Started Checklist
Ready to apply for a job at Aldi? Make sure you've got everything sorted:
- 1.Check your age - You need to be at least 16 years old to work at Aldi. If you're younger, consider Woolworths or Coles which hire from 14 years 9 months.
- 2.Check if Aldi operates in your area - Aldi only has stores in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA. If you're in TAS, ACT, or NT, you'll need to look at other employers.
- 3.Apply for your TFN - Do this before you get a job. It takes about a week to arrive and you'll need it when you start work.
- 4.Create a basic resume - Even without work experience, include your school, any volunteer work, sports teams, and your skills. Highlight anything that shows you're reliable and efficient.
- 5.Work out your availability - Think about when you can work around school. Aldi values flexibility, so being available on weekends and during school holidays will help your application.
- 6.Learn about Aldi - Research what makes Aldi different from other supermarkets. Understanding their efficiency-focused model will help in your interview.
- 7.Apply online - Visit careers.aldi.com.au and search for Store Assistant positions near you.
- 8.Set up a bank account - If you don't have one already, open a bank account so Aldi can pay you. Most banks offer free accounts for under-18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aldi hires team members from 16 years old. This is slightly older than some other supermarkets because Aldi operates with a lean staffing model where all team members are expected to perform all store tasks, including some that require more maturity and physical capability.
No, Aldi requires all team members to be at least 16 years old. If you're 15 and looking for a supermarket job, you might want to consider Woolworths or Coles, which hire from 14 years 9 months. Once you turn 16, you can apply to Aldi.
At Aldi, there's only one entry-level role: Store Assistant. Unlike other supermarkets, Aldi doesn't have separate positions for checkout, trolleys, or stacking. Every team member does everything - from serving customers on the registers to restocking shelves and cleaning. This keeps the work varied and shifts go quickly.
Yes! Aldi is known for paying above-award rates - typically 10-15% higher than the General Retail Industry Award. This means you'll earn more per hour at Aldi than at Woolworths or Coles. The trade-off is that the work is faster-paced and you're expected to be highly productive.
No, Aldi hires people without prior work experience. However, they do look for people who can demonstrate reliability, efficiency, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to show these qualities in your application and interview.
Aldi is known for being fast-paced. The checkout process is particularly quick - you're expected to scan items rapidly while customers pack their own bags. The upside is that shifts go by quickly, you learn a wide variety of skills, and the pay is higher to compensate for the increased expectations.
Last updated: December 2025. Information sourced from Information sourced from Aldi Careers and the Fair Work Commission.. Pay rates are approximate and above-award rates may vary. Check with your local store for current openings and exact pay rates.