Cook Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Cooks in Brisbane earn a median salary of $68,203 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $50,000 and $80,000. That sits 24% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 27 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 36th percentile by listing volume in Brisbane
💰 Cook · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$50,000 – $80,000
Median: $68,203
Apr $69k
May $68k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $50,000 – $80,000
Overall $50k–$80k Mid $50k–$80k $48k $55k $62k $68k $75k $82k
⚠ Low confidence 27 listings · 01/06/2026

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%  $50,000 Median  $68,203 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Cooks in Brisbane earned $68,203 in May, down $1,223 from April across 27 listings. The 44% spread from $50k to $80k reflects the range from entry-level institutional cooking (aged care, schools) to commercial kitchen roles. At 24% below Brisbane's all-roles median, this is well below market. Melbourne ($76,500) and Sydney ($76,150) both pay considerably more for the same role, making Brisbane the lowest-paying city for Cooks in this dataset. Chef roles in Brisbane earn $76,076.

Take Home Pay (based on median $68,203)

Weekly (net)
~$1,042
Monthly (net)
~$4,517
Annual (net)
~$54,206
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $76,046

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?
Entry-level Cooks in Brisbane earn $50,000 to $68,203 at the mid level. A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Food Processing is the standard qualification. Moving from $50k toward $75k requires demonstrating range across cuisine types and working in a higher-volume, commercially driven kitchen rather than institutional catering.
Is $68,203 a good salary in Brisbane?
At $68,203 and 24% below Brisbane's all-roles median, this is significantly below market. Brisbane's moderate living costs help, but the $8,000 gap to Melbourne and Sydney for the same role is notable. Moving into a Chef classification, which pays $76,076 in Brisbane, is the most direct pay improvement available.
How much does a Senior Cook make in Brisbane?
Brisbane Cook roles cap around $80,000 at the p90. The standard progression is from Cook to Chef De Partie to Sous Chef, with each step adding pay. Head Chef roles in Brisbane earn $90,000, representing the clearest career and salary target from the Cook level.

Other roles in Brisbane

Cook salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $68,203 —
Melbourne $76,500 +12%
Sydney $76,150 +12%

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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.