Head Chef Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated 30/09/2026

Head Chefs in Melbourne earn a median salary of $90,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $85,000 and $104,750. That is broadly in line with Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 42 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 63th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +5 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$85,000 – $104,750

Median: $90,000

Aug $97k

Sep $90k

↓ Trending down

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

Mid level

$85,000 – $104,750

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 42 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 62.8% stated a salary directly. The remaining 37.2% 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% $85,000 Median $90,000 $104,750 Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median fell $7,500 to $90,000, making Melbourne the weakest head chef market in this data, behind Perth at $100,000, Sydney at $97,000, Brisbane at $95,000 and level with Adelaide at $90,000. Listings rose from 37 to 42. At 63% salary disclosure this is a well-evidenced figure, so the decline is real. The role sits 4.1% below the city median, the closest any Melbourne hospitality title comes to the benchmark.

Take Home Pay (based on median $90,000)

Weekly (net)

~$1,317

Monthly (net)

~$5,707

Annual (net)

~$68,483

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $100,350

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 Head Chef in Melbourne?

The $85,000 floor assumes several years running sections and a period as sous chef, so this is not an entry title. Sous chef at $85,000 is the direct feeder, and since the head chef floor equals the sous chef median, the promotion often starts without a pay rise. Menu costing, supplier management and rostering are what separate the two.

Is $90,000 a good salary in Melbourne?

Not quite, but it is the best hospitality outcome in the city. At $90,000 a head chef earns 4.1% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $1,317 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Perth pays $10,000 more at a lower cost base. Within the Melbourne kitchen ladder it sits $15,000 above chef roles at $75,000.

How much does a Senior Head Chef make in Melbourne?

The ceiling is $104,000, and at 22% the spread is tight, so headroom inside the title is limited. Executive chef roles, multi-venue oversight and high-profile establishments are what reach it. This is the top of the kitchen hierarchy in advertised Melbourne listings.

Other roles in Melbourne

Head Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page)	$90,000	0%
Perth	$100,000	+11%
Sydney	$97,500	+8%
Brisbane	$95,000	+6%
Adelaide	$90,000	~same

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