People can’t believe how much Aldi managers actually get paid

Aldi has built a reputation as one of the UK’s cheapest supermarkets — but behind the scenes, it also offers some of the highest-paid management jobs 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 candidates can expect a starting salary of around £52,020 and a fully expensed company car from day one.

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 lasts around 12 months, during which graduates learn how to run stores, manage staff, and oversee performance.

Unlike many graduate schemes that involve office-based work, Aldi’s programme quickly puts recruits in charge of real stores.

In the first year, you rotate around different areas of the business to understand how the company works.

This includes approximately three months working on the shop floor and by the sixth month, you are running a store with the support of others.

If you work your way up through the stores rather than joining as a graduate, salaries are usually lower but still strong compared to the retail sector.

Typical Aldi store management salaries range from £50,000 to £60,000, while assistant managers can earn between £36,000 to £45,000.

Aldi’s graduate programme consistently ranks among the best-paid in Britain. While many graduate jobs offer starting salaries between £25,000 and £35,000, Aldi’s £50,000+ package is significantly higher.

Many of Aldi’s directors — including CEO, Giles Hurley — started as an Area Manager.

What do you need to apply to Aldi’s graduate scheme?

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree (minimum) in any subject — Aldi states this as the minimum requirement.
• 96 UCAS points from your top three A-Levels (or 63 Scottish Highers) — or the equivalent from other relevant qualifications.
• A full UK driving licence — Aldi provides a fully expensed company car on the programme, so a licence is essential.
• Right to work in the UK — you must be eligible to work legally in the UK without restrictions.

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.