Cook Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Cooks in Brisbane earn a median salary of $63,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $76,800. That sits 25% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $85,000. Figures are based on 32 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 53th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +5 listings vs last month
💰 Cook · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $76,800
Median: $63,500
May $68k
Jun $63k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $55,000 – $77,000
Overall $55k–$76k Mid $55k–$77k $53k $58k $63k $68k $74k $79k
Moderate confidence 32 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%  $55,000 Median  $63,500 $76,800  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Brisbane cooks median $63.5k, notably below Sydney's $70k for the same title, and 25% under Brisbane's own all-roles median of $85k. The median slid $4.7k over the month even as listings grew (32 against 27), a sign of more openings at lower rates. The range is tight ($55k to $76.8k), which is the norm for award-linked kitchen work. The Chef title sits just above at $75k, so the pay incentive to formalise from cook to qualified chef is real and quantifiable.

Take Home Pay (based on median $63,500)

Weekly (net)
~$984
Monthly (net)
~$4,264
Annual (net)
~$51,173
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $70,802

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 Cook in Brisbane?
The band starts around $55k. Moving toward the $76.8k top comes from venue and volume: high-turnover kitchens, holding a Cert III in Commercial Cookery, and the ability to run a section without supervision. A cook who can step up during service and manage prep for a busy venue commands the upper band.
Is $63,500 a good salary in Brisbane?
No. At $63.5k the median runs 25% below Brisbane's $85k all-roles figure and nets about $51k after tax. This is normal for the cook trade rather than a specific concern, but it is a low-ceiling wage, and Sydney pays $6.5k more for the same title. The clear upside is qualifying as a Chef ($75k) and then progressing through the kitchen hierarchy.
How much does a Senior Cook make in Brisbane?
There is no senior cook band, pay caps around $76.8k. Progression is a retitle to Chef ($75k here) and beyond to Restaurant Manager ($85k). The move up comes from formal qualification, running a section solo and taking on ordering or roster duties, kitchen responsibility rather than more years at the same station.

Other roles in Brisbane

Cook salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $63,500 —
Sydney $70,000 +10%

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.