Chef Salary in Perth (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Perth earn a median salary of $79,375 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $65,000 and $83,000. That sits 21% below Perth's all-roles median of $100,000. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Perth in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 40th percentile by listing volume in Perth ↓ -9 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Perth
ADVERTISED RANGE
$65,000 – $83,000
Median: $79,375
May $78k
Jun $79k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $65,000 – $83,000
Overall $65k–$83k Mid $65k–$83k $63k $67k $72k $76k $81k $85k
⚠ Low confidence 28 listings (-9 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. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $65,000 Median  $79,375 $83,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Perth Market

Chef pay in Perth ticked up modestly, the median rose $875 to $79,375, even as listings fell from 37 to 28. Perth actually sits near the top of the national table for chefs, just behind Adelaide ($80k) and ahead of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne (all $75k to $77,500). The tight band ($65k to $83k) is typical of hospitality, where pay tracks venue tier more than individual negotiation. The $20,625 gap below Perth's all-roles median reflects the sector, not the city.

Take Home Pay (based on median $79,375)

Weekly (net)
~$1,183
Monthly (net)
~$5,127
Annual (net)
~$61,524
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $88,503

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 Perth?
Chefs in Perth start near the $65k floor. The climb toward the $83k top comes from venue and station: fine-dining or hotel kitchens pay above pubs and cafes, and holding a section (sauce, larder) or sous responsibility lifts pay. A formal Cert III or IV in commercial cookery helps at the entry gate.
Is $79,375 a good salary in Perth?
No, and that is normal for the trade. At $79,375 the median sits 21% below Perth's all-roles median of $100k (a figure lifted by mining), and it nets roughly $61,500 after tax. The gap is a sector effect, not underpayment for hospitality. Perth chefs still edge most other capitals, so within the trade this is competitive pay.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Perth?
Experienced chefs reach the $83k ceiling of a tight band, so within the chef title pay does not stretch far. The real step is up the brigade: Head Chef roles hit a $100k median, which means taking on kitchen management, rostering and food-cost ownership rather than just cooking a section.

Chef salaries in other cities

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