How much does a Chef earn in Australia?

The average chef salary in Australia is about $76,000 per year. Entry-level roles typically start around $55,000, mid-career sits near $75,000, and senior positions reach $105,000. The full range across the country runs from roughly $50,000 to $120,000.

How much do chefs earn in Perth and WA?

The WA anomaly is remote site catering: chefs on FIFO rosters for Sodexo, Compass and ISS earn $85,000-$115,000 with accommodation, meals and flights provided, well above metropolitan restaurant rates.

What qualifications do you need to be a chef?

A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, most commonly completed as an apprenticeship over three to four years, plus a Food Safety Supervisor certificate.

Is chef a good career in Australia?

Demand is currently rated very high with strong growth expected. The WA anomaly is remote site catering: chefs on FIFO rosters for Sodexo, Compass and ISS earn $85,000-$115,000 with accommodation, meals and flights provided, well above metropolitan restaurant rates.

Chef Salary in Australia

Comprehensive salary information for Chef positions in Australia, Western Australia

Average Chef Salary

$76,000 / year

Salary Range: $50,000 - $120,000

Industry: Hospitality

Market Demand: Very High

Growth Rate: Strong growth

Remote Work: Not typically available

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Salary Range
Entry Level (0-2 years)	$55,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)	$75,000
Senior Level (6+ years)	$105,000

Skills That Increase Your Chef Salary

The following skills are highly valued and can significantly impact your earning potential:

Menu development
Food costing
Kitchen management
Food safety
High-volume service

Valuable Certifications

These certifications can help you command a higher salary:

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Food Safety Supervisor
Certificate IV (supervisory roles)

How to Increase Your Chef Salary

Gain relevant certifications and qualifications
Develop in-demand skills (see list above)
Gain more years of experience in the field
Consider specializing in high-demand areas
Negotiate effectively during job offers
Stay updated with industry trends and technologies

Current Chef Jobs in Australia

Showing 10 current Chef opportunities:

Physical Education and Health Teacher

St Mary MacKillop College 📍 Isabella Plains, Tuggeranong Full-time, Permanent

Salary Range: $85,694 to $141,638 full-time equivalent plus superannuation. Salary is determined based on years of teaching service. Employment Status: Full-time Eligibility: Australian Citizen or Per...

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EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | Aged Care Hospitality

TR3 Recruitment 📍 Victoria, Australia Not specified

Are you an experienced Hospitality or Hotel Services professional with aged care experience, open to flexible work opportunities across South Australia? We are building a talent community across a ran...

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EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | Aged Care Hospitality

TR3 Recruitment 📍 Tasmania, Australia Not specified

Apply Now →

Integrated Humanities Teacher

St Mary MacKillop College 📍 Isabella Plains, Tuggeranong Full-time, Permanent

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EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | Aged Care Hospitality

TR3 Recruitment 📍 Queensland, Australia Not specified

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Catering Assistant - Hurlstone Agricultural High School

Cater Care 📍 The Rocks, Sydney Part-time, Permanent

Permanent Catering Assistants needed. Stop The Scroll And Score A Permanent Role Next To The Train Station Position : Catering Assistant Job Type : Permanent - Part Time Location : Hurlstone Agricultu...

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Chef - Lake Cathie Manor

Cater Care 📍 North Shore, Port Macquarie Not specified

Position: Chef Job Type: Casual Location: Lake Cathie, NSW Competitive Hospitality Award rates Super Are you an efficient, trade-qualified Chef who excels at managing high-volume kitchen operations? ...

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Chef - Weekend - Wahroonga

Cater Care 📍 The Rocks, Sydney Not specified

Role: Chef Employment Type: Casual (8 hours/week) | Sunday, 8:00am – 4:30pm Location: Wahroonga, NSW Bring your culinary craft to Abbotsleigh School and make a genuine impact by preparing nourishing, ...

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Weekend Chef - HammondCare - Braeside

Cater Care 📍 The Rocks, Sydney Part-time, Permanent

Weekend Chef – Making a Difference at Every Meal Location: Prairewood NSW Schedule: Every Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Status: Permanent Part-Time About the Role Stepping into this role, you w...

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Chef - Waverley NSW

Cater Care 📍 The Rocks, Sydney Not specified

Position : Weekend Breakfast Chef Job Type : Casual Roster : Weekend AM or PM shifts available High standards start at sunrise and we are looking for a breakfast / lunch specialist to deliver premium ...

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View All Chef Jobs →

Frequently Asked Questions About Chef Salaries

How much does a Chef earn in Australia?: The average chef salary in Australia is about $76,000 per year. Entry-level roles typically start around $55,000, mid-career sits near $75,000, and senior positions reach $105,000. The full range across the country runs from roughly $50,000 to $120,000.
How much do chefs earn in Perth and WA?: The WA anomaly is remote site catering: chefs on FIFO rosters for Sodexo, Compass and ISS earn $85,000-$115,000 with accommodation, meals and flights provided, well above metropolitan restaurant rates.
What qualifications do you need to be a chef?: A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, most commonly completed as an apprenticeship over three to four years, plus a Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
Is chef a good career in Australia?: Demand is currently rated very high with strong growth expected. The WA anomaly is remote site catering: chefs on FIFO rosters for Sodexo, Compass and ISS earn $85,000-$115,000 with accommodation, meals and flights provided, well above metropolitan restaurant rates.