Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $76,303 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $81,600. That sits 16% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 55 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 23% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -1 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $81,600
Median: $76,303
Apr $77k
May $76k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $81,000
Overall $60k–$81k Mid $60k–$81k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $84k
Moderate confidence 55 listings (-1 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  $76,303 $81,600  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney Chefs earned $76,303 in May, down $1,197 from April across 55 listings. The 28% spread from $60k to $81k is standard for award-structured hospitality. At 16% below Sydney's all-roles median, Chefs are well below the city benchmark for a high-cost market. Perth ($78,500) and Adelaide ($78,000) both pay more than Sydney for this role, a reversal of the typical city premium that reflects the hospitality award structure overriding geographic demand.

Take Home Pay (based on median $76,303)

Weekly (net)
~$1,144
Monthly (net)
~$4,959
Annual (net)
~$59,511
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $85,077

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 Sydney?
Entry-level Chefs in Sydney earn $60,000 to $76,076 at the mid level (53 listings). A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is standard. Sydney's fine dining sector, particularly in the CBD and inner east, offers the fastest pay progression due to menu complexity and service standards that justify senior chef classifications sooner.
Is $76,303 a good salary in Sydney?
At $76,303 and 16% below Sydney's all-roles median, this is a below-market salary for one of the world's most expensive cities. Sydney's rent makes this a genuinely tight income. Restaurant Managers in Sydney earn $88,750, and that management transition is the most financially significant step from the Chef level.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Sydney?
Senior Chefs in Sydney can reach $81,000 at the 90th percentile. The Head Chef role in Sydney pays $100,000, a $23,697 step up from the standard Chef median. Reaching that level requires kitchen brigade leadership, full menu and food cost ownership, and typically five or more years of post-qualification kitchen experience.

Other roles in Sydney

Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $76,303 —
Perth $78,500 +3%
Adelaide $78,000 ~same
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.