Cook Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Cooks in Sydney earn a median salary of $70,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $85,000. That sits 26% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 59th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +14 listings vs last month
💰 Cook · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $85,000
Median: $70,000
May $76k
Jun $70k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $55,000 – $85,000
Overall $55k–$85k Mid $55k–$85k $53k $60k $67k $73k $80k $87k
Moderate confidence 38 listings (+14 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.

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Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $70,000 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Cook pay in Sydney slipped this month, the median fell $6,150 to $70k, even as listings jumped from 24 to 38. That combination, more roles at lower pay, points to volume hiring at the entry end pulling the median down. Sydney still pays cooks above Brisbane ($63,500), the only other city with enough data to compare. The band ($55k to $85k) sits below the neighbouring Chef median ($77,500), marking the clear rung between the two titles.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,065
Monthly (net)
~$4,615
Annual (net)
~$55,383
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,050

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 Sydney?
Cooks in Sydney start near the $55k floor. The move up the band comes from kitchen tier and skill: high-volume or quality venues, and picking up chef-level station work, push pay toward the $85k top. A commercial cookery certificate is the usual gateway to the better kitchens.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends, and lean toward no. At $70k the median sits 26% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95k and nets roughly $55k after tax, which is stretched in an expensive city. The gap is normal for hospitality, but the recent dip in pay against rising demand means there is little upward pressure, so treat this as a stepping stone toward a Chef title ($77,500).
How much does a Senior Cook make in Sydney?
There is limited senior range within the cook title, the band tops at $85k. Progression is into Chef ($77,500) and beyond to Sous Chef ($85k) and Head Chef ($100k), which means formal qualification and taking on section or kitchen responsibility rather than staying in a general cook role.

Other roles in Sydney

Cook salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $70,000 —
Brisbane $63,500 -9%

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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.