Chef Salary Australia: What Chefs Earn by State and Industry

Chef Salary Australia: State and Industry Differences

When you search for "chef salary australia", you are asking how much chefs earn and how that pay compares across the country. The answer depends on where you work, the type of employer, and whether you are paid above the award minimum. This guide uses the latest public data from Jobs and Skills Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman to give you a clear picture.

The National Picture for Chefs

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for chefs are $1,423. That works out to about $73,996 a year before tax. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, chefs sit at index 68.3. That is below the all-occupations median of $1,852 (index 88.9) and well below the accommodation and food services industry index of 72.5.

Chefs are a young workforce with a median age of 34, and only 30% are women. About 78% work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week. The industry is dominated by Accommodation and Food Services, which has a lower-than-average pay profile.

Award Minimums vs. Market Rates

The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 sets minimum pay for chefs and cooks. From 1 July 2026, the rate for a Level 2 cook grade 1 is $27.08 per hour or $1,029.10 per week. Higher classifications like chef de partie or sous chef fall under Level 3 or above, with higher rates. For example, the award shows Level 3 at $27.97 per hour. Casual chefs get a 25% loading, taking the casual hourly rate to about $33.85 for Level 2.

However, the median hourly earnings of $37 suggest many chefs earn above the award. Experience, reputation, and the type of establishment (fine dining vs. casual) push pay higher. The pay guides from Fair Work are the starting point, not the ceiling.

State Differences in Chef Pay

Jobs and Skills Australia does not publish chef earnings by state, but the states page on Salary Index shows overall wage indices. For example:

• Western Australia index 106.9 – annualised $115,825
• Australian Capital Territory index 109.9 – $119,090
• New South Wales index 101.2 – $109,658
• Victoria index 98.0 – $106,137
• Queensland index 97.9 – $106,064
• South Australia index 94.6 – $102,450
• Northern Territory index 95.2 – $103,173
• Tasmania index 88.6 – $96,008

Chefs in higher-index states like WA and ACT likely earn more than those in Tasmania or SA, but the gap may be smaller because the accommodation and food services industry tends to pay below the state average. For instance, a chef in WA might earn closer to the national chef median than the WA all-occupations median.

Industry Context

Chefs work almost exclusively in Accommodation and Food Services, an industry with a Salary Index of 72.5. That is well below the national line of 100. Compare that to Mining (154.7) or Professional Services (114.7). The low industry index reflects the high proportion of part-time, casual, and entry-level roles. Even experienced chefs often earn less than workers in other industries with similar skill levels.

Historical Comparison

A 2019 HILDA survey analysed by the Attorney-General's Department found median chef hourly earnings of $28.15 and weekly earnings of $1,126. That was before the pandemic and subsequent wage growth. The current median of $37 per hour shows a significant increase, though part of that is due to award rises and a tighter labour market.

What This Means for Your Pay

If you are a chef or considering the career, your salary will depend on your state, your employer, and your classification. Use the industries page to compare accommodation and food services with other sectors. Check the how the index works page to understand how your pay stacks up nationally. And always refer to the latest award rates from Fair Work to know your minimum entitlements.

Summary

Chef salary in Australia sits at index 68.3, with median full-time earnings of $1,423 per week. State indices suggest better pay in WA and the ACT, but the industry itself is low-paying relative to the national average. Award rates provide a floor, and many chefs earn above that. For the most accurate picture, combine award minimums with market data from Jobs and Skills Australia.