Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $77,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $81,000. That sits 18% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 60 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 74th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +5 listings vs last month
💰 Chef · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $81,000
Median: $77,500
May $76k
Jun $77k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $81,000
Overall $60k–$81k Mid $60k–$81k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $83k
Moderate confidence 60 listings (+5 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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $77,500 $81,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney chefs earn $77.5k, about 18% under the city's $95k all-roles median, and the median nudged up only $1.2k in a month. The band ($60k to $81k) is tight at the top, so hospitality here has a low ceiling relative to other capitals. Adelaide, Perth and Sydney all cluster within a few thousand dollars, meaning location barely moves the number for this role. The clearer path up is by title, not city: head chef pay jumps to $100k.

Take Home Pay (based on median $77,500)

Weekly (net)
~$1,160
Monthly (net)
~$5,025
Annual (net)
~$60,296
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $86,412

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 Sydney?
The floor is $60k (p10), typical for a commis or junior chef. Formal culinary qualifications, a section-lead role (larder, sauce, pastry) in a respected kitchen, and volume-service experience are what carry a junior toward the $81k top of the band.
Is $77,500 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $77.5k the median runs 18% below Sydney's all-roles median and nets about $60k, which is thin in one of the country's most expensive cities. That gap is normal for hospitality, priced by long hours and high supply, but it is a real constraint. Progression, not persistence, is how chefs improve on it.
How much does a Senior Chef make in Sydney?
The band caps around $81k, so senior earnings live in the next title up. Sous chef ($85k) and head chef ($100k) are the steps that matter, and they turn on running a full brigade, owning food cost and menu, and holding a kitchen's standards through service, not simply years at the stove.

Other roles in Sydney

Chef salaries in other cities

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

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

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.