Cook salary in Australia
ANZSCO occupation: Cooks
Last reviewed July 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
- 30,700
- Annual employment growth
- -3,500/yr
- 5-yr projected growth
- +6%
- Skills shortage rating
- Shortage
- Main industry
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Works full-time
- 45%
- Avg full-time hours
- 42 hrs/wk
- Works part-time
- 55%
- Female share
- 52%
- Median age
- 36 yrs
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025) · Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025)
What does a cook do?
Cooks prepare, season and cook food in dining and catering establishments.
- Examining foodstuffs to ensure quality
- Regulating temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment
- Preparing and cooking food
- Seasoning food during cooking
- Portioning food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes
- Storing food in temperature controlled facilities
- Preparing food to meet special dietary requirements
- May plan menus and estimate food requirements
- May train other kitchen staff and apprentices
How to become a cook
Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.
Education held by people in this role
Where cooks are employed
Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).
Cook jobs
Related occupations
Similar occupations
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cook earn in Australia?
The median cook earns $74,464 per year ($1,432 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 cook?
Most cooks hold a Certificate III or IV (20.4% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.
Is cook a job in demand in Australia?
Around 30,700 cooks are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about -3,500 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.
Employment projections: Jobs and Skills Australia — Employment Projections (May 2025 to May 2030), produced with Victoria University (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
Skills shortage ratings: Jobs and Skills Australia — 2025 Occupation Shortage List (unit-group level) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0.
The ABS median refers to full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate; individual pay varies. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.