Highest paying supermarket named (Image: Getty)
Supermarket staff across the UK are set to receive updated pay rates as major retailers announce increases. Hourly wages are rising for both entry-level and experienced colleagues and many stores are also enhancing benefits alongside pay, making roles in the supermarket sector more competitive.
It comes as Aldi today announced a pay rise for thousands of staff across the country, making it the UK’s best-paying supermarket. We have revealed the latest figures that show pay details and staff benefits from all 10 leading supermarkets, including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Iceland, Morrisons and Co-Op. Find out which retailers offer the highest — and lowest — pay to staff.
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10. Iceland
Iceland is the lowest-paying supermarket, paying its employees £11.20 nationally and £12.37 for staff over 21, according to the Retail Gazette. Those who live in London are given £12.32 and £13.50 for over-21s.
There is currently no further information on whether staff will be given a pay rise this year.
9. Morrisons
Employees at Morrisons are currently earning £12.21 nationally and £13.06 in London. However, Morrisons is one of the few retailers to confirm that staff will not see any significant pay rises this year. This follows government tax increases on employers and the minimum wage uplift, as reported by the Employee Benefits.
A Morrisons spokesperson commented to the watchdog that it has to “balance any further pay offers with the overall performance, affordability and long-term stability of the business.”
Asda pays considerable low compared to the rest (Image: Getty)
8. ASDA
ASDA is currently paying it’s employees £12.60 national pay and £13.82 for those in London. According to the UK Business Times, “As of late January 2026, ASDA has not made an official announcement about a retail pay rise for this year.
“However, based on union activity, market conditions, and historical patterns, a new deal is anticipated in the first quarter.” In 2025, ASDA offered one of the biggest pay increases in the UK retail sector. Supported by an £80million investment, the supermarket gradually raised pay for around 115,000 store-based colleagues.
7. Marks and Spencer
In 2025, the hourly pay for UK customer assistants increased from £12 to £12.60, marking a 5% rise on the previous year and a 26% increase since 2022, more than double the rate of inflation over that period. The change affected around 50,000 staff across the UK.
For full-time colleagues outside London, this meant an additional £98 per month. In London, customer assistants saw their pay rise from £13.15 to £13.85 per hour, a 5.3% increase. There has yet to be an announcement for a pay increase in 2026.
Co-Op is one of the lowest paying supermarkets (Image: Getty)
6. Co-op
Co-op last announced its pay rise last year for August 1, 2025. Colleagues are now receiving pay of £12.60 nationally and £13.85 in London. There have been no announcements for 2026 yet.
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, shared: “Our store colleagues are at the very heart of the business, and we are pleased to be able to provide a reward package that is competitive, above inflation and impactful. This deal reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the Real Living Wage and ensures Co-op is among the highest food retailers in terms of pay.”
5. Tesco
Tesco has yet to announce a pay rise for its colleagues for 2026; however, it is still one of the top five highest-paying supermarkets. According to the Retail Gazette, Tesco pays £12.64 nationally per hour and £13.85 per hour inside the M25.
“Tesco remains one of the few supermarkets to recognise an independent trade union and negotiate pay rates with them for all its hourly-paid colleagues in the UK,” said the supermarket.
Tesco UK CEO, Matthew Barnes, commented in 2025: “Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and this pay deal recognises the brilliant work they put in day in, day out to serve our customers.
“It also represents another significant investment in our colleague pay, which, combined with our fantastic package of benefits, means Tesco continues to be a place to get on and thrive in a fulfilling and rewarding career.”
Sainsbury’s employees to receive a benefits package (Image: Getty)
4. Sainsbury’s
The current base pay is £12.60 an hour nationally and £13.85 an hour in London. However, from March 2026, Sainsbury’s will increase its pay by 5%. This will take the national rate to £13.23 an hour and the London rate to £14.54 an hour.
For many full-time colleagues, this means earning more than £1,200 extra a year, on top of the benefits package. This package also includes a pension scheme, a share-save scheme, free food during shifts and staff discounts that can help colleagues save over £600 a year on an £80 weekly shop.
Commenting on the pay rise, Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “I’m delighted to share that we will be raising pay for our hourly-paid colleagues by five per cent this year. This increase reflects our commitment to rewarding our colleagues for their exceptional service and productivity.”
3. Waitrose
Waitrose is a part of the John Lewis Partnership, which has confirmed a £108million investment in pay for its workers. From April 1, shop floor colleagues at John Lewis and Waitrose will receive a 6.9% pay increase.
This will raise minimum hourly rates to £13.25 across the UK and £14.80 within the M25. For a typical full-time Partner, this equates to an additional £1,600 per year.
Helen Webb, Chief People Officer for the John Lewis Partnership, commented: “This £108m investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out. This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to Partner pay, consistent with previous years.”
Lidl has come in a close second (Image: Getty)
2. Lidl
In second place is Lidl GB, which has announced a further £29million investment in pay. The supermarket aimed to become the UK’s highest-paying supermarket, but has been slightly overtaken by Aldi.
Nonetheless, the changes will benefit all 35,000 colleagues, both salaried and hourly-paid, nationwide. From March 1, entry-level hourly pay will increase to £13.45 nationally, rising to £14.45 with length of service.
In London, pay will rise from £14.35 to £14.80, increasing further to £15.30 with length of service. Alongside its pay increase, Lidl GB is doubling paternity leave from two weeks to four weeks on full pay, and after five years of service, colleagues will be entitled to eight weeks on full pay.
1. Aldi
Taking the winner spot for pay rates is Aldi. This supermarket has confirmed a pay increase for thousands of employees as from April 1, store assistants will earn £13.50 per hour across the UK and £14.88 per hour inside the M25.
Pay will increase further with length of service, rising to £14.47 nationally and £15.20 inside the M25. More than 28,000 hourly-paid store colleagues will benefit from the change, which is the second pay rise for Aldi teams this year.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We’ve invested over £42 million in colleague pay this year because we know that every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserves nothing less.”
Aldi employs more than 45,000 people across the UK and is continuing to grow quickly. It plans to open 40 new stores in 2026 as part of a £370 million investment programme.