Coles Jobs in 2025: How to Apply, Salaries, and Open Roles

Why Work at Coles in 2025?

Coles Group, a leading Australian retailer, operates over 846 supermarkets, liquor stores, and convenience outlets, employing more than 120,000 people nationwide, as noted on the Coles Group website. With a strong presence in every state and territory, Coles offers diverse career opportunities, from retail to corporate roles, making it a top choice for job seekers in 2025.

Overview of Coles Group

Coles is a household name, holding a 27% market share in Australia's supermarket industry. Its operations include Coles Supermarkets, Coles Online for home delivery, and Coles Liquor, ensuring jobs are available in urban hubs like Sydney and rural areas like Alice Springs. This national reach makes Coles accessible to a wide range of applicants.

Types of Roles

Coles provides a variety of roles to suit different skills and career goals:

• Retail: Checkout operators, shelf stackers, and customer service roles focus on store operations.
• Warehouse & Logistics: Order pickers, forklift drivers, and delivery drivers support the supply chain.
• Corporate: Marketing, finance, HR, and IT roles are based at the Store Support Centre in Melbourne.
• Graduate Programs & Apprenticeships: Leadership training and trade apprenticeships offer long-term career paths.
• Casual Jobs: Flexible roles ideal for students or part-time workers.

Benefits

Coles offers competitive benefits, as detailed on the Coles Careers benefits page:

• Staff Discounts: 5% off Coles and Coles Liquor purchases, with occasional 10% double discount days.
• Career Growth: Internal promotions and training via the Coles Learning Hub support skill development.
• Flexible Hours: Schedules accommodate students, parents, and others with varied availability.
• Job Security: As a stable employer, Coles provides reliable employment.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Coles supports all backgrounds, earning accolades like the AWEI Gold Employer award.

Interested in other retail careers? Check out our guides to Woolworths Careers or ALDI Careers for more options.

Popular Coles Job Types in 2025

Coles offers a range of roles to match various interests, as outlined on the Coles Careers career paths page. Here's a breakdown:

Retail Roles

• Checkout Operators: Process transactions and assist customers, requiring no prior experience.
• Shelf Stackers: Restock shelves, often during night shifts, ensuring stores are ready for customers.
• Customer Service: Handle inquiries and complaints, needing strong communication skills.

Warehouse & Logistics

• Order Pickers: Prepare orders in distribution centers, ideal for fast-paced environments.
• Forklift Drivers: Move goods, requiring certifications and safety awareness.
• Delivery Drivers: Transport products to stores or customers, needing a valid license.

Corporate & Support Office

• Marketing: Create campaigns to promote Coles brands.
• Finance: Manage budgets and financial reporting.
• HR: Oversee recruitment and employee relations.
• IT: Support digital systems, crucial for Coles Online.

Graduate Programs & Apprenticeships

Two-year graduate programs train future leaders, while apprenticeships in baking or butchery combine work and study. These are great for career starters, as highlighted on the Student Jobs at Coles page.

Casual Jobs for Students and Part-Time Workers

Flexible retail and warehouse roles suit students, especially during holidays. No experience is often needed, making these accessible entry points. For more part-time options, explore our guide to Weekend Jobs in Australia.

Coles Job Salaries in 2025

Salaries at Coles align with the General Retail Industry Award, updated by the Fair Work Commission's 2023-2024 review. While 2025 rates are pending, current figures provide a baseline.

Hourly Wages for Entry-Level Roles

Team members like checkout operators and shelf stackers earn around $25.27 per hour, slightly above the Fair Work minimum, as per the Indeed salary data.

Salaries for Supervisors and Managers

Department managers earn $60,000–$80,000 annually, while store managers can exceed $100,000, including bonuses, reflecting leadership responsibilities.

Warehouse/Logistics vs. Retail Wages

Warehouse roles start at approximately $25 per hour, similar to retail, but may offer higher pay for physical tasks. Retail roles emphasize customer interaction, with potential bonuses.

Night Shift and Weekend Pay

Penalty rates apply for night shifts (15% loading) and weekends, especially Sundays, boosting earnings for flexible workers. Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for precise rates.

Curious about other retail salaries? See our guide to Retail Jobs in Australia for comparisons.

How to Apply for a Coles Job in 2025

Applying is straightforward via the Coles Careers website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit colescareers.com.au: Browse open roles or submit an Expression of Interest for retail positions.
2. Create an Account: Manage applications and track progress.
3. Submit a Resume: Highlight customer service, teamwork, and availability, tailored to Coles' values.
4. Interview: Expect group or video interviews for retail roles, or phone and face-to-face for corporate positions.
5. Checks: Provide working rights proof; delivery roles may require driving or police checks.

The process takes days to weeks, depending on the role. Need a standout resume? Use our Resume Builder to craft one fast. For more application tips, check our career blog.

Source: Coles Careers recruitment process

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

Stand out with these strategies from the Coles Careers first job page and Jora's hiring tips:

• Flexible Availability: Highlight willingness to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays.
• Relevant Experience: Include volunteering or casual work to show teamwork and reliability.
• Align with Coles Values: Emphasize customer focus and integrity in interviews.
• Group Interviews: Show enthusiasm and collaborate with others.
• Upskilling: Courses in food handling or RSA can enhance your application.

Want to polish your interview skills? Read our guide to Customer Service Jobs for tips.

Coles Jobs for International Applicants

International applicants can work at Coles with the right visa, as noted on the Australian Government visa page:

• Visa Requirements: Options include Working Holiday Visa (6-month limit per employer), student visas (up to 48 hours/week), or Permanent Residency.
• Sponsorship: Rare, mainly for specialist corporate roles.
• Language: Basic English is needed, with fluency for customer-facing roles.

Explore other visa-friendly careers in our guide to Nursing Jobs in Australia.

Working at Coles: What Employees Say

Employee reviews from platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Reddit reveal the Coles experience:

• Pros: Inclusive culture, team spirit, career growth, and competitive pay with discounts.
• Cons: Understaffing, variable management, physical demands, and work-life balance challenges during peak times.

Considering other employers? See what it's like at Bunnings or Kmart.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a degree to become a graphic designer in Australia? A Bachelor's in Graphic Design is preferred, but relevant experience and a strong portfolio can suffice for many roles.
• What tools are essential for graphic design jobs? Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Canva, and collaboration tools like Slack and Trello are key.
• Can international designers work in Australia? Yes, with visas like Skilled Nominated (190) or remote freelance roles via platforms like Upwork.
• What's the salary for a junior graphic designer? Junior designers earn $55,000–$70,000 annually, depending on location and role.