Chef salary in Australia
ANZSCO occupation: Chefs
Last reviewed June 2026
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) · 2025 data. Annual figure derived from median weekly earnings × 52.
See your take-home pay on $74,000 →At a glance
- People employed
- 133,400
- Annual employment growth
- +6,100/yr
- Median age
- 34 yrs
- Works part-time
- 22%
- Female share
- 30%
- Main industry
- —
What does a chef do?
Chefs plan and organise the preparation and cooking of food in dining and catering establishments.
May freeze and preserve foods
How to become a chef
Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.
Education held by people in this role
Where chefs are employed
Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).
Chef jobs
Related occupations
Similar occupations
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chef earn in Australia?
The median chef earns $73,996 per year ($1,423 per week, or about $37/hour), based on Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025).
What qualifications do you need to be a chef?
Most chefs hold a Certificate III or IV (37.3% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.
Is chef a job in demand in Australia?
Around 133,400 chefs are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about +6,100 workers per year.
Earnings, employment and education data: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.
