Tech giant Apple has struck a new pay deal with retail staff that locks in starting rates lower than supermarket checkout workers and probable pay cuts in real terms every year for the next four years.

Last year, Apple recorded revenues of $6.1 billion from its Australian operations and a profit of $88.5 million in the country, which was lower than the previous year after its operation paid a $154 million dividend to its US parent.

Staff at Apple stories have signed a new enterprise bargaining agreement with the company. Credit:Bloomberg

The 2013 net profit after tax was $52 million, down from $58.5 million in 2012.

The new pay deal was ratified by the Fair Work Commission on Thursday and will give Apple's lowest paid staff a base hourly rate of $20.55 from November.