Coles Night Fill vs Woolworths Night Fill
A Comprehensive Comparison for Australian Job Seekers
Are you considering a Coles vs Woolworths Night Fill job in Australia? For many, night fill roles offer a flexible entry point into the retail sector, often appealing to students, those seeking supplementary income, or individuals who prefer working outside traditional hours. Both Coles and Woolworths, two of Australia’s largest supermarket chains, offer numerous Night Fill jobs Australia-wide. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of pay, working conditions, and overall employee experience? This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of Night Fill roles at both retailers, providing a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore everything from job descriptions and shift lengths to Coles pay rates and Woolworths pay rates, penalty rates, superannuation, and employee reviews. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key differences and similarities, allowing you to identify which supermarket might offer the best Night Fill working conditions for your needs.
Understanding Night Fill Roles: What Do They Involve?
Night Fill positions are crucial for ensuring supermarket shelves are stocked and ready for customers each morning. While the core duties are similar, there can be subtle differences in emphasis and work environment between Coles and Woolworths.
Coles Night Fill: The Details
At Coles, a Night Fill role primarily involves tasks such as opening boxes, stocking shelves, and performing general store duties. The work is often characterized as monotonous but relatively straightforward. Employees frequently find themselves working alone in aisles, which can be a positive for those who prefer independent work. However, management can sometimes be demanding, with last-minute requests adding pressure to the role.
Key Facts & Working Conditions at Coles:
•Job Description: Primarily involves opening boxes, stocking shelves, and general store duties. Often described as monotonous but relatively easy work.
•Shift Lengths: Common shifts are 5pm-10pm (5 hours) or 7pm-12am (5 hours), and 7pm-10pm (3 hours).
•Work Environment: Often involves working alone in aisles. Management can sometimes be demanding with last-minute requests. Employee reviews are mixed, with some finding it good for work-life balance (especially for students) and others describing it as a ‘soul-draining, dead-end job’ with poor management.
•Eligibility/Requirements: Coles seeks motivated individuals with good attention to detail. No specific formal qualifications are typically mentioned for entry-level night fill roles.
•Enterprise Agreement: Coles Supermarkets workers are covered by the Coles Retail Enterprise Agreement 2024, which commenced on October 7, 2024, and expires on May 3, 2028. This agreement outlines pay and conditions.
Woolworths Night Fill: The Details
Woolworths Night Fill roles also focus on stocking shelves but may include assisting customers and other general store duties. The physical demands can vary, with some employees finding the work labor-intensive depending on the effort required. The work environment at Woolworths also garners mixed reviews, with some praising the work-life balance and others highlighting issues with management and long hours [5].
Key Facts & Working Conditions at Woolworths:
•Job Description: Involves stocking shelves, assisting customers, and general store duties. Can be labor-intensive depending on effort.
•Shift Lengths: Night fill shifts are usually between midday to midnight. Some older reports mention 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM or 5:00 AM.
•Work Environment: Some employees report a good work-life balance, especially for students. Others mention long hours, poor salary, and issues with management and bullying. Mixed reviews overall.
•Eligibility/Requirements: No experience is often required, and full training is provided. Some positions may require a police check and drug/alcohol test. Availability to work across Monday-Sunday and shifts starting from 6am or 4pm.
•Enterprise Agreement: Woolworths workers are covered by the Woolworths Australian Food Group Agreement (AFG Agreement). A 3.75% wage increase was applied from July 1, 2024.
Pay Rates and Penalty Rates: Where Do You Earn More?
One of the most significant factors for job seekers is compensation. Both Coles and Woolworths offer competitive pay, but understanding the nuances of their base rates, penalty rates, and superannuation contributions is crucial. The following table provides a detailed comparison of Coles pay rates and Woolworths pay rates for Night Fill positions.
Night Fill Pay Rates Comparison (Adults, Level 1)
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Category
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Coles (July 2025)
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Woolworths (July 2024)
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Full-Time & Part-Time
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Base Rate (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm)
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$27.14/hour
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$26.07/hour
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Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm
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$33.92/hour
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$32.58/hour
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Saturday 7am-11pm
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$33.92/hour
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$32.58/hour
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Sunday 9am-11pm
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$40.70/hour
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$39.10/hour
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Public Holiday
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$61.05/hour
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$58.65/hour
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Casual
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Base Rate (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm)
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$33.92/hour
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$32.58/hour
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Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm
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$40.70/hour
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$39.10/hour
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Saturday 7am-11pm
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$40.70/hour
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$39.10/hour
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Sunday 9am-11pm
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$47.49/hour
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$45.62/hour
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Public Holiday
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$67.84/hour
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$65.17/hour
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Superannuation
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12% (from July 1, 2025)
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11.5% (from July 1, 2024)
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Note: These rates are based on the provided data and are subject to change. Always refer to the latest Enterprise Agreements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Penalty Rates Explained
Coles Penalty Rates: Casual workers at Coles receive a 1.5x penalty rate for shifts between 6pm-11pm (Mon-Fri) or 7am-11pm (Saturday). Full-time and part-time employees get 125% of their minimum hourly rate, while casuals receive 150% (inclusive of 25% casual loading) for night shifts.
Woolworths Penalty Rates: Night fill at Woolworths is generally paid the same as any other team member, with exceptions for certain allowances like cold work. Casuals may receive around $32/hour (give or take) with a 25% loading for night rates, as per a July 2025 Facebook post. It’s important to note that specific penalty rates can vary based on the Enterprise Agreement.
Superannuation Contributions
Coles Superannuation: The compulsory superannuation contribution for Coles employees will increase from 11.5% to 12% from July 1, 2025.
Woolworths Superannuation: The employer superannuation contribution for Woolworths increased from 11% to 11.5% from July 1, 2024.
Employee Reviews: The Real-World Experience
Beyond the official job descriptions and pay rates, employee reviews offer valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of working at Coles and Woolworths. Both companies receive mixed feedback, highlighting that individual experiences can vary significantly based on store location, management, and team dynamics.
Coles Night Fill Employee Reviews
Employee reviews for Coles Night Fill roles are quite varied. Some individuals find it to be a good job for maintaining work-life balance, particularly for students who appreciate the flexible hours. They might describe it as relatively easy work, albeit monotonous. However, a significant portion of reviews describe the role as a ‘soul-draining, dead-end job’ with poor management being a recurring complaint. This suggests that while the work itself might be simple, the management style and overall store culture can heavily influence job satisfaction.
Woolworths Night Fill Employee Reviews
Similarly, Woolworths Night Fill employees offer mixed feedback. Many appreciate the work-life balance, especially students looking for flexible employment. On the other hand, some reviews mention long hours, perceived poor salary for the effort, and issues with management and bullying . This indicates that while the company might offer flexibility, challenges related to workload and workplace dynamics can impact employee morale.
Enterprise Agreements: Your Rights and Conditions
Enterprise Agreements (EAs) are legally binding documents that outline the terms and conditions of employment between employees and employers. Understanding the relevant EA is crucial for any job seeker.
Coles Retail Enterprise Agreement
Coles Supermarkets workers are covered by the Coles Retail Enterprise Agreement. This agreement commenced on October 7, 2024, and is set to expire on May 3, 2028. It details aspects such as wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution processes. Job seekers should review this document for a comprehensive understanding of their rights and obligations.
Woolworths Australian Food Group Agreement
Woolworths workers are covered by the Woolworths Australian Food Group Agreement (AFG Agreement). This agreement saw a 3.75% wage increase applied from July 1, 2024. Like the Coles EA, it outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including pay rates, allowances, and other benefits. Prospective employees should consult this agreement for detailed information.
Making Your Choice: Coles or Woolworths Night Fill?
Deciding between a Coles vs Woolworths Night Fill position ultimately depends on your individual priorities and circumstances. Both offer similar entry-level supermarket jobs with comparable duties, but there are subtle differences that might sway your decision.
If Coles pay rates and a slightly higher superannuation contribution from July 2025 are a priority, Coles might be more appealing. The structured shift lengths could also be a benefit for those seeking predictability. However, be mindful of the mixed employee reviews regarding management and the potential for a monotonous work environment.
On the other hand, Woolworths pay rates are competitive, and the company also offers comprehensive training, making it an excellent option if you have no prior experience. The broader shift availability might suit those with highly variable schedules. Similar to Coles, it’s important to consider the mixed employee feedback regarding management and workload.
Ultimately, researching specific store reviews, if available, and considering your personal preferences for work environment, management style, and flexibility will be key to finding the best Night Fill jobs Australia has to offer for you.
Conclusion
Both Coles and Woolworths provide significant employment opportunities in Night Fill roles across Australia. While the core responsibilities are similar, differences in pay rates, penalty rates, superannuation, and reported working conditions can influence your experience. By carefully comparing the detailed information provided in this article, particularly the Coles vs Woolworths Night Fill pay rates and employee insights, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and personal preferences. Good luck with your job search!
Check Here – Woolworths Careers Australia