Chef Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Melbourne earn a median salary of $75,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $64,298 and $82,475. That sits 20% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 82 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 8% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +31 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$64,298 – $82,475
Median: $75,000
Aug $74k
Sep $75k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $63,924 – $82,250
Overall $64k–$82k Mid $63k–$82k $62k $66k $71k $75k $80k $84k
High confidence 82 listings (+31 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 82 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 63.1% stated a salary directly. The remaining 36.9% 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%  $64,298 Median  $75,000 $82,475  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne is the weakest chef market in the country at $75,000, with Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth at $80,000, Sydney at $79,000 and even the Gold Coast at $78,000. The median rose $900 while listings jumped 61% from 51 to 82, so the market is expanding fast without repricing. At 63% salary disclosure this is a well-evidenced figure. The kitchen ladder here has improved though: cook at $65,000 to head chef at $90,000 is now a $25,000 span, far wider than the compressed range this market showed earlier in the year.

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 Melbourne?
Entry is $64,000, 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 entirely. Section experience and a Certificate III are what move someone toward the $82,000 ceiling.
Is $75,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $75,000 a chef earns 20% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $1,128 a week against the highest living costs in this report. It is the lowest chef pay in the country, in the most expensive city. Head chef roles here pay $90,000, so the progression is at least worth pursuing.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $82,000, and sous chef roles at $85,000 sit above it, so the bands now separate properly. Head chef at $90,000 is the meaningful step and is worth $15,000 over this median. That is a real progression, unlike the flat ladder this market showed a few months ago.

Other roles in Melbourne

Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $75,000 0%
Adelaide $80,000 +7%
Brisbane $80,000 +7%
Perth $80,000 +7%
Sydney $79,750 +6%

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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.