People can’t believe how much Aldi workers get paid(Image: Yau Ming Low via Getty Images)
Aldi has established itself as one of the UK’s most budget-friendly supermarkets — yet behind closed doors, it also provides some of the most lucrative management roles in the country.
The supermarket has today announced a pay rise for 28,000 employees, making it the highest-paying supermarket in the UK, beating the likes of Lidl, Waitrose, M&S and Tesco. Hourly rates will rise to £13.50 nationally and £14.88 in London.
However, many may be surprised to learn how much the German discount retailer pays its graduates.
Aldi’s well-known Graduate Area Manager Programme offers one of the highest starting salaries in UK retail, beginning at more than £50,000 – with earnings rising to almost £100,000 within a decade.
Successful applicants can expect an initial salary of around £52,020 alongside a fully expensed company car from their very first day, reports the Express.
Unlike other graduate schemes which are capped, Aldi’s salary increases each year of the programme with the potential to earn £98,050 after eight years.
The programme typically runs for around 12 months, throughout which graduates learn how to manage stores, oversee staff, and monitor performance.
Unlike many graduate schemes that revolve around office-based work, Aldi’s programme swiftly places recruits in charge of actual stores.
During the first year, participants rotate across various areas of the business to gain an understanding of how the company operates.
This encompasses approximately three months working on the shop floor, and by the sixth month, recruits are running a store with the backing of colleagues. For those who work their way up through the stores rather than joining via the graduate route, salaries are typically lower but remain competitive within the retail sector.
Typical Aldi store management salaries range from £50,000 to £60,000, whilst assistant managers can earn between £36,000 to £45,000.
Aldi’s graduate programme consistently ranks amongst the best-paid in Britain. Whilst many graduate positions offer starting salaries of between £25,000 and £35,000, Aldi’s £50,000+ package is considerably higher.
A number of Aldi’s directors – including CEO, Giles Hurley – began their careers as an Area Manager.
According to Aldi’s own graduate recruitment site, the application window for the 2025/26 intake is currently open – meaning you can apply now for roles on that programme.
Applications are live for Area Manager (Graduate) roles in the Chelmsford, Darlington, Sheppey, and Bathgate regions.
