Kitchen Hand Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Kitchen Hands in Sydney earn a median salary of $65,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $50,000 and $80,000. That sits 28% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 21 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

◆ Specialist role Lower listing volume — 14th percentile in Sydney
💰 Kitchen Hand · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$50,000 – $80,000
Median: $65,000
Mid level $50,000 – $80,000
Overall $50k–$80k Mid $50k–$80k $48k $55k $62k $68k $75k $82k
⚠ Low confidence 21 listings · 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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $50,000 Median  $65,000 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Kitchen Hands in Sydney earned $65,000 at the median in May, sitting 28.4% below the city's all-roles median. Prior month data is unavailable. The sample is small at 21 listings. The 46% spread (p10 of $50,000, p90 of $80,000) reflects everything from casual and part-time roles at the floor to full-time permanent positions with penalty rates and allowances pushing the ceiling. Kitchen hand pay in Sydney is low relative to the city's cost of living, and the role is typically a stepping stone rather than a career endpoint.

Take Home Pay (based on median $65,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,003
Monthly (net)
~$4,344
Annual (net)
~$52,133
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $72,475

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 Kitchen Hand in Sydney?
Kitchen Hands in Sydney start at around $50,000 at the p10 of current listings, which often reflects casual or part-time arrangements. Full-time permanent roles with weekend penalties and evening allowances typically start at $58-$65k. Most employers in this segment pay award rates, so negotiating above the floor depends on the shift pattern and volume of the operation.
Is $65,000 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $65,000, a Kitchen Hand earns 28.4% below Sydney's all-roles median. Sydney's cost of living is the highest in Australia, and this salary makes independent housing a significant challenge. The role is generally a pathway into cookery training rather than a standalone career income.
How much does a Senior Kitchen Hand make in Sydney?
Experienced Kitchen Hands in Sydney reach $80,000 at the p90, which typically reflects long-standing employment with significant shift loading, or a senior hand role in a large commercial kitchen with team responsibility. Progressing beyond this ceiling typically means completing a commercial cookery qualification and moving into a cook or chef-in-training role.

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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.