Coles CEO Salary: How It Compares to Australia's Minimum Wage

Coles CEO Salary in the Spotlight

Recent parliamentary hearings have put the coles ceo salary under scrutiny. Coles Group CEO Ms Weckert confirmed her total fixed compensation is $2 million per annum, including superannuation. This figure, disclosed in a market release on 21 February 2023 and discussed at the 2026 inquiry, provides a rare public look at executive pay in Australia's grocery sector. For workers wondering how this compares to their own wages, the contrast is stark.

The Legal Minimum Wage Floor

Australia's national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing their minimum to $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award-free and agreement-free national-system employees. However, juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may be paid less. For example, a 16-year-old award-free junior receives $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate). Modern awards and enterprise agreements can require higher rates than the national minimum.

Putting the CEO Salary in Context

Dividing the $2 million annual package by 52 weeks gives a weekly equivalent of about $38,462. That is more than 38 times the weekly national minimum wage of $1,004.90. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in May 2026 were $2,083.70 per week, meaning the CEO earns over 18 times the average full-time wage. Even the highest award classification rates, such as those in the General Retail Industry Award, typically top out around $30–$35 per hour, far below the CEO's hourly equivalent of over $1,000 if she worked a standard 38-hour week.

Award Rates and Negotiated Salaries

It is important to separate the legal minimum from negotiated salaries. The national minimum wage and modern award rates are legally enforceable floors. The Coles CEO salary is a negotiated executive package, set by the board and approved by shareholders. While award rates apply to most retail employees, executives are typically covered by individual contracts. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces minimum standards, but does not regulate executive pay. For most workers, the relevant pay floor is either the national minimum wage or the applicable modern award rate. You can check which award applies to your job on our Rate tables page.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings for most employees. For a minimum-wage worker earning $1,004.90 per week, that adds $120.59 per week in super. The Coles CEO's $2 million package already includes super, so her base salary before super would be lower. This distinction matters when comparing total remuneration. Our How the figures work guide explains how super is treated in different contexts.

What This Means for You

While the coles ceo salary may seem astronomical, it reflects a different labour market entirely. For the vast majority of Australian workers, the relevant benchmark is the national minimum wage or their award rate. If you are award-free and agreement-free, you must receive at least $26.44 per hour (or the junior rate if under 21). If you are covered by a modern award, the minimum rate is likely higher. Always check your award or enterprise agreement, as it can set a higher rate than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides detailed rates for each award.

Final Thoughts

The gap between executive pay and minimum wages highlights the breadth of Australia's labour market. The coles ceo salary is a matter of public record, but it does not change the legal obligations of employers to pay at least the minimum wage. For workers, understanding your pay floor is the first step to ensuring you are paid correctly. For more information, explore our Guides on minimum wages and entitlements.