Chef Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated 30/09/2026

Chefs in Brisbane earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $62,125 and $85,000. That sits 11% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 66 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 15% of roles by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +14 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$62,125 – $85,000

Median: $80,000

Aug $75k

Sep $80k

↑ Trending up

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

Mid level

$62,125 – $85,000

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 66 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 48.5% stated a salary directly. The remaining 51.5% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10% $62,125 Median $80,000 $85,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

The median rose $4,206 to $80,000 and listings grew from 52 to 66, lifting Brisbane from the weakest chef market in the country to joint strongest alongside Adelaide and Perth. Sydney now sits at $79,000 and Melbourne at $75,000. The 29% spread running $62,000 to $85,000 shows how compressed chef pay remains regardless of venue. At 49% salary disclosure the improvement is reasonably well evidenced.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,000)

Weekly (net)

~$1,191

Monthly (net)

~$5,161

Annual (net)

~$61,933

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,200

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 is $62,000, which in practice means a qualified chef in a mid-volume kitchen rather than an apprentice. Cook roles at $65,000 overlap with the bottom of this band. Section experience and a Certificate III are what move someone toward the $85,000 ceiling.

Is $80,000 a good salary in Brisbane?

Not by the city benchmark, but it leads the country. At $80,000 a chef earns 11.1% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,191 a week and moderate living costs. Head chef roles here pay $95,000, so unlike Melbourne the kitchen ladder in Brisbane has a genuine step at the top.

How much does a Senior Chef make in Brisbane?

The ceiling is $85,000, and head chef roles at $95,000 sit clearly above it, so the two bands do not overlap. Menu costing, supplier management and rostering are what separate head chef work from senior cooking. That $15,000 step is one of the better hospitality progressions in this report.

Other roles in Brisbane

Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page)	$80,000	0%
Adelaide	$80,000	~same
Perth	$80,000	~same
Sydney	$79,750	~same
Gold Coast	$78,250	~same

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