Chef Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Brisbane earn a median salary of $76,076 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $80,000. That sits 16% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 37 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 53th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +6 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $80,000
Median: $76,076
Apr $76k
May $76k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $60,000 – $80,000
Overall $60k–$80k Mid $60k–$80k $58k $63k $67k $72k $77k $82k
Moderate confidence 37 listings (+6 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $76,076 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Brisbane Chefs earned $76,076 in May, unchanged from April across 37 listings (up 6). The 26% spread from $60k to $80k is tight, confirming award-structured pay. At 15% below Brisbane's all-roles median, Chefs are below market for the city. Perth leads all cities at $78,500, with Adelaide, Melbourne, and Gold Coast clustered between $77,000 and $78,500. Brisbane is at the lower end of the cluster at $76,076.

Take Home Pay (based on median $76,076)

Weekly (net)
~$1,142
Monthly (net)
~$4,947
Annual (net)
~$59,363
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $84,824

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Chef in Brisbane?
Entry-level Chefs in Brisbane earn $60,000 to $75,000 at the mid level (35 listings). Moving from $60k to $75k requires a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and at least two to three years of kitchen experience at a high-output venue. Brisbane's restaurant and hotel sector is the primary employer.
Is $76,076 a good salary in Brisbane?
At $76,076 and 15% below Brisbane's all-roles median, this is a below-market salary. Brisbane has moderate living costs, which helps. Head Chefs in Brisbane earn $90,000, and that is the most financially meaningful step up from a Chef role.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Brisbane?
Senior Chefs in Brisbane with a Head Chef pathway can earn $80,000 to $90,000. Moving into a Head Chef role, which pays $90,000 in Brisbane, typically requires managing a brigade of five or more cooks, developing menus, and running the full kitchen operation independently.

Other roles in Brisbane

Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $76,076 —
Perth $78,500 +3%
Adelaide $78,000 +3%
Melbourne $77,500 ~same
Gold Coast $77,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.