Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated 02/08/2026

Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $85,000. That sits 16% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 65 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 20% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +5 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$60,000 – $85,000

Median: $80,000

Jun $77k

Jul $80k

↑ Trending up

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

Mid level

$60,000 – $85,000

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 65 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 46.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 53.7% 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% $60,000 Median $80,000 $85,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median rose $2,500 to $80,000, tying Sydney with Perth and Newcastle for the highest chef pay in the country. Listings grew from 60 to 65. Unlike Melbourne, Sydney has a legible kitchen ladder: cooks at $75,000, chefs and chefs de partie at $80,000, sous chefs at $85,000 and head chefs at $100,000. That $25,000 span from cook to head chef is nearly four times Melbourne's equivalent range.

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 Sydney?

Entry is $60,000, which in practice means a qualified chef in a mid-volume kitchen rather than an apprentice. Cook roles at $75,000 overlap with the middle 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 Sydney?

No. At $80,000 a chef earns 15.8% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,191 a week against the highest living costs in this report. It does tie for the best chef pay in the country. The important detail is that head chef roles here pay $100,000, so progression is actually worth something in Sydney.

How much does a Senior Chef make in Sydney?

The ceiling is $85,000, which is what sous chefs earn as a median, so the two titles converge. Head chef at $100,000 is the meaningful step and is $20,000 above this median. That progression exists in Sydney in a way it does not in Melbourne, where the whole ladder spans $6,000.

Other roles in Sydney

Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Sydney
Sydney (this page)	$80,000	0%
Newcastle	$80,000	~same
Perth	$80,000	~same
Melbourne	$79,500	~same
Brisbane	$77,500	-3%

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