How Much Does Coles Pay 16-17 Year Olds in Australia 2026?

Coles is one of Australia's largest employers of young workers, offering thousands of casual and part-time positions across its supermarkets, liquor stores, and distribution centres. If you're 16 or 17 and thinking about applying to Coles, understanding exactly what you'll be paid is an important first step. This guide covers the junior pay rates at Coles in 2026, how penalty rates work for teenage employees, and what the Fair Work Act 2009 says about your rights as a young worker.

Coles Pay Rates for 16 and 17-Year-Olds

Like most major retailers, Coles pays junior employees in line with the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA). Junior rates are a set percentage of the Level 1 adult rate, increasing with each year of age until the full adult rate applies at 21. At Coles, entry-level roles for 16 and 17-year-olds typically include grocery packer, customer service team member, and self-checkout operator.

Age	Weekday Rate (AUD/hr)	Saturday Rate (AUD/hr)	Sunday Rate (AUD/hr)
16 years old	$14.00 – $15.20	$17.50 – $19.00	$20.50 – $22.50
17 years old	$16.00 – $17.50	$20.00 – $22.00	$23.00 – $26.00

Rates above are approximate and based on the GRIA award structure as of 2026. Your actual rate will depend on your store's applicable enterprise agreement, your classification level, and the specific shift. Check your pay slip carefully and compare against the current Fair Work Australia pay guide.

How Junior Wages Are Calculated

Under the General Retail Industry Award, junior wages are calculated as a percentage of the corresponding adult pay rate. For example, a 16-year-old in Level 1 receives roughly 60% of the adult rate, while a 17-year-old receives approximately 70%. These percentages step up each year: at 18 it increases further, at 19 it increases again, and the full adult rate applies from age 21. This stepped system is designed to gradually bring young workers' pay in line with adult rates as they gain experience and maturity in the workplace.

Weekend and Public Holiday Rates

Penalty rates at Coles apply to all employees, including junior workers. Saturday shifts attract a loading of 125% of the base rate, Sunday shifts are typically loaded at 150–175%, and public holidays attract a 250% loading or more, depending on the award and any applicable enterprise agreement. These loadings can significantly increase weekly earnings for young Coles employees who work weekend shifts — which is a common arrangement for students who can't work weekdays during school terms.

School and Work Balance at Coles

Coles is generally flexible with school-aged employees when it comes to shift scheduling. During school terms, most stores roster 16 and 17-year-olds for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts. During school holidays, additional weekday hours are typically available. It's important to be upfront with your manager about exam periods and school commitments so your roster can be adjusted accordingly. Coles' casual employment arrangements (which most young workers are hired under) mean you're not guaranteed a minimum number of hours each week, giving you flexibility but also some income variability.

Your Workplace Rights as a Young Coles Employee

As a Coles employee — regardless of age — you are protected by the Fair Work Act 2009. This means you're entitled to correct pay for all hours worked, to be free from discrimination and unfair treatment, and to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. If you believe you're being underpaid or treated unfairly, you can speak with your manager, contact Coles' HR team, or lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman. Young workers are a protected group under Australian workplace law, and your age should never be used as a reason to shortchange you on entitlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Coles hire 15-year-olds?

Coles' minimum hiring age varies by state and role, but is generally 15 or 16 for customer-facing retail positions. Some states permit 14 and 15-year-olds to work in retail with restrictions on hours and time of day. Check your state's child employment legislation for the specific rules applicable to you.

How does Coles pay compare to Woolworths for young workers?

Both Coles and Woolworths are covered by the General Retail Industry Award for most store-based employees, so their junior pay rates are similar. Differences may arise if individual stores or the company overall has entered into an enterprise agreement that sets rates above the award minimum. As both are major retailers competing for casual labour in the same market, pay rates tend to be closely aligned.

What does Coles look for when hiring young workers?

Coles looks for friendly, reliable candidates who are available for flexible shifts including weekends. For teenage applicants, there's no expectation of prior retail experience — attitude, willingness to learn, and availability are the primary considerations at the application stage.