Food Services Assistant Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Food Services Assistants in Melbourne earn a median salary of $55,806 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $50,000 and $70,904. That sits 41% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 22 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

◆ Specialist role Lower listing volume — 19th percentile in Melbourne
💰 Food Services Assistant · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$50,000 – $70,904
Median: $55,806
Mid level $50,000 – $70,904
Overall $50k–$70k Mid $50k–$70k $48k $53k $58k $63k $68k $73k
⚠ Low confidence 22 listings · 05/07/2026

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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $50,000 Median  $55,806 $70,904  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

At $55,806 this is the lowest median in the Melbourne set, sitting 41% below the city all-roles median, the second-widest gap in this batch. It is a thin market too (22 listings, demand score 19), and the role appears only in Melbourne here. This is entry-level hospitality and healthcare catering work priced near award minimums. Based on a small sample of 22, treat as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $55,806)

Weekly (net)
~$889
Monthly (net)
~$3,854
Annual (net)
~$46,249
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $62,223

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 Food Services Assistant in Melbourne?
A food services assistant in Melbourne starts near the $50k floor on award rates. Reaching the $71k top comes almost entirely from shift loading and setting: hospital and aged-care catering with penalty rates pays above cafe or canteen work, and weekend and early-morning shifts lift annual earnings. There is no qualification gate; hours and shift type do the work.
Is $55,806 a good salary in Melbourne?
No, but that is expected for the role rather than a market failure. At $55,806 the median is 41% below Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets around $46k after tax, which is genuinely tight in the city. This is entry-level catering pay, and the way to earn more is to move sideways or up rather than to wait for the rate to rise.
How much does a Senior Food Services Assistant make in Melbourne?
There is no senior tier here; the ceiling sits near $71k. Moving up means a Kitchen Hand supervisor or catering-coordinator role, or a step into Chef training, which opens a much higher band. Taking on rostering, ordering, or a section in a hospital or aged-care kitchen is the practical route past $71k.

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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.