Chef Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated 01/06/2026

Chefs in Melbourne earn a median salary of $77,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $64,532 and $80,750. That sits 15% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $91,520. Figures are based on 55 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 19% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +23 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$64,532 – $80,750

Median: $77,500

Apr $75k

May $77k

↑ Trending up

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

Mid level

$64,454 – $80,750

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% $64,532 Median $77,500 $80,750 Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne Chefs earned $77,500 in May, up $2,500 from April, with 55 listings (up 23, a significant surge). The 21% spread from $64k to $80k is among the tightest in the dataset. Melbourne's restaurant sector is one of Australia's most active, and the surge in listings suggests seasonal demand building into winter. At 15% below Melbourne's all-roles median, Chefs are below market for a high-cost city, consistent with the hospitality award structure.

Take Home Pay (based on median $77,500)

Weekly (net)

~$1,160

Monthly (net)

~$5,025

Annual (net)

~$60,296

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $86,412

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 Melbourne?

Entry-level Chefs in Melbourne earn $64,454 to $77,500 at the mid level (54 listings). A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and two to three years of kitchen experience are the standard entry requirements. Melbourne's fine dining and international cuisine sectors offer faster pay progression for chefs with demonstrated repertoire breadth.

Is $77,500 a good salary in Melbourne?

At $77,500 and 15% below Melbourne's all-roles median, this is a below-market salary for a high-cost city. Melbourne's rent and transport costs make $77,500 a tight income for most renters. The Chef De Partie and Sous Chef roles pay $77,500 and $85,000 in Melbourne, showing that the progression within the kitchen hierarchy is the primary financial lever.

How much does a Senior Chef make in Melbourne?

Senior Chefs in Melbourne with Chef de Cuisine or executive kitchen roles can reach $77,500 to $80,750, while Head Chefs earn $100,000. The Head Chef role is the significant financial step, commanding $22,500 more than the standard Chef median and requiring full brigade management and menu ownership.

Other roles in Melbourne

Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page)	$77,500	—
Perth	$78,500	~same
Adelaide	$78,000	~same
Gold Coast	$77,000	~same
Sydney	$76,303	~same

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