Chefs and cooks in Australia typically earn between $55,000 and $90,000 per year, with significant variation by experience level, establishment type, and specialisation. Head chefs at high-end restaurants and executive chefs in large venues or hotel chains can earn above this range.
Chef Salary by Experience and Role
| Role | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kitchen hand / food preparation | $48,000–$56,000 |
| Cook (trade school or apprenticeship) | $52,000–$65,000 |
| Commis chef (apprentice grade) | $48,000–$58,000 |
| Chef de partie | $60,000–$72,000 |
| Sous chef | $68,000–$85,000 |
| Head chef (mid-range restaurant) | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Head chef (fine dining / top restaurant) | $90,000–$130,000 |
| Executive chef (hotel, casino, institution) | $100,000–$160,000+ |
Chef Award Rates — Hospitality Industry Award 2020
Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, minimum rates for:
- Cook grade 1: ~$23.80/hour
- Cook grade 2: ~$24.80/hour
- Cook grade 3 (tradesperson): ~$26.00/hour
- Cook grade 4 (chef/head chef): ~$27.50/hour
Penalty rates apply for evenings (115–125%), weekends (125–175%), and public holidays (225%). Chefs working in hospitality typically earn a significant proportion of their income through these penalty rates.
Chef Earnings by Establishment Type
| Establishment | Head Chef Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Café / bistro | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Mid-range restaurant | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Fine dining restaurant | $90,000–$130,000 |
| Hotel / resort | $85,000–$140,000 |
| Aged care / institutional | $62,000–$80,000 |
| Corporate catering / events | $68,000–$100,000 |
| Mining / remote camp | $90,000–$140,000 |
Mining camp chefs earn well above typical hospitality rates due to FIFO premiums and the remote nature of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being a chef a well-paid job in Australia?
Chefs earn above the minimum wage, but hospitality is not a high-earning profession relative to other trade and professional qualifications. The work is physically demanding with irregular hours. Sous chefs and head chefs at quality establishments earn competitive wages, particularly with shift penalties included. Executive chefs and those in mining camps earn significantly more.
How much does a head chef earn in Australia?
Head chefs at mid-range restaurants typically earn $75,000–$95,000. Fine dining head chefs earn $90,000–$130,000. Executive chefs in large hotels, casinos, or institutions earn $100,000–$160,000+.
Can chefs earn good money in Australia?
Yes, particularly in high-demand settings. Mining camp and FIFO chefs earn $90,000–$140,000, often with accommodation and meals provided, which boosts the effective value further. Fine dining and executive chef roles are also well remunerated. Building a reputation in a sought-after restaurant can also lead to media, consulting, or ownership opportunities.
Related Guides
- Tradie Salaries Australia
- Minimum Wage Australia 2025–26
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- Income by Occupation — All Careers
Salary data sourced from SEEK, Hays, Restaurant & Catering Australia, and Fair Work Commission award rates. Figures are approximate. This is general information only.