Chef Salary in Australia
Hospitality • All 12 Major Cities
Chefs plan menus, prepare food, and manage kitchen operations in restaurants and hotels.
Job Market Outlook
Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential
More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia
Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Chef Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $71,500 | $57,832 |
| 2CanberraACT | $70,200 | $56,948 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $68,250 | $55,622 |
| 4DarwinNT | $68,250 | $55,622 |
| 5PerthWA | $66,300 | $54,296 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $61,750 | $51,202 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $59,800 | $49,876 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $58,500 | $48,992 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $57,200 | $48,108 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $57,200 | $48,108 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $56,550 | $47,666 |
| 12HobartTAS | $55,250 | $46,782 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chef earn in Australia?
The average Chef salary in Australia is $62,563 per year, or approximately $32 per hour. Salaries typically range from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $104,500 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Chef?
A Chef earning the average salary of $62,563 takes home approximately $51,755 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $4,313 per month.
Where do Chefs earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Chef salaries at $71,500 on average, followed by Canberra at $70,200.
Is Chef a good career in Australia?
Chef is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $62,563 is around the national median.
How much do Chefs make per hour?
Chefs earn approximately $32 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $21 for entry-level positions to $53 for experienced professionals.
About Chef Salaries in Australia
The average Chef salary in Australia is $62,563 per year, or approximately $32 per hour. Salaries range from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $104,500 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Chef salary at $71,500, while Hobart has the lowest at $55,250.
After tax, a Chef earning the average salary takes home $51,755 per year, or $4,313 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Chef Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $40,800, while senior roles can reach $104,500.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Chef roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.