Chef Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Brisbane earn a median salary of $75,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $85,000. That sits 12% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $85,000. Figures are based on 47 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 70th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +10 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $85,000
Median: $75,000
May $76k
Jun $75k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $85,000
Overall $60k–$85k Mid $60k–$85k $58k $64k $69k $75k $81k $87k
Moderate confidence 47 listings (+10 vs last month) · 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.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $75,000 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Brisbane chefs earn the least of any capital tracked, $75,000, matching Melbourne but trailing Adelaide ($80k), Perth ($79,375) and Sydney ($77,500). Pay also slipped slightly from $76,076 even as hiring jumped from 37 to 47 listings, so demand is rising while the wage drifts down. Against Brisbane's $85k all-roles median the role sits 12% low, which is typical for hospitality. The pattern is more kitchens hiring, not better-paid kitchens.

Take Home Pay (based on median $75,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,128
Monthly (net)
~$4,888
Annual (net)
~$58,658
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $83,625

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?
Junior chefs and commis in Brisbane start near the $60k band floor. The way up is station and venue: moving from prep to running a section, and from a pub kitchen to a hatted or high-volume venue, is what lifts pay. A trade qualification plus the ability to run service under pressure is the concrete step toward the $85k top of the range.
Is $75,000 a good salary in Brisbane?
Depends. At $75k the role sits 12% below Brisbane's all-roles median and nets about $58,700, which is workable given Brisbane's lower housing costs than the southern capitals. This is normal for kitchen work rather than a concern, but the flat-to-down pay trend means chefs should chase title, not just hours. Head Chef and Sous Chef roles are where the real gains sit.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Brisbane?
The band caps at $85k for a line chef, so the step up is a Sous Chef or Head Chef title, or crossing into Restaurant Manager work (median $85k in Brisbane). What it takes is owning a section's costs and menu, then a whole kitchen: rostering, food-cost control, and menu development are what employers pay the premium for.

Other roles in Brisbane

Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $75,000 —
Adelaide $80,000 +7%
Perth $79,375 +6%
Sydney $77,500 +3%
Melbourne $75,000 ~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.