Head Chef Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Head Chefs in Melbourne earn a median salary of $93,750 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $77,358 and $104,750. That is broadly in line with Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 32 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 48th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +11 listings vs last month
💰 Head Chef · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$77,358 – $104,750
Median: $93,750
May $100k
Jun $93k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $77,064 – $105,000
Overall $77k–$104k Mid $77k–$105k $74k $81k $88k $94k $101k $108k
Moderate confidence 32 listings (+11 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%  $77,358 Median  $93,750 $104,750  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Head chef listings in Melbourne jumped from 21 to 32 this month, but pay went the other way, dropping $6,250 to $93,750. That median lands almost exactly on the city's all-roles figure (down just 1.3%), unusual for hospitality. Sydney pays $100k for the same role, a $6k premium. More kitchens hiring at slightly lower pay is the pattern here.

Take Home Pay (based on median $93,750)

Weekly (net)
~$1,364
Monthly (net)
~$5,912
Annual (net)
~$70,939
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $104,531

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?
Head chef is not an entry role, so the $77k p10 reflects smaller venues rather than junior pay. People arrive via chef de partie and sous chef. Running a hatted or high-volume kitchen, controlling food cost, and building a menu that draws covers are what push pay toward the $105k top of the band. Venue prestige matters as much as years.
Is $93,750 a good salary in Melbourne?
Depends on your benchmark. At $93,750 the median sits right on Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets a fair take-home, which is respectable for hospitality where most roles pay well under the city bar. It is not below-market, it is at it. Sydney pays $6k more, and the $6,250 monthly drop is worth watching.
How much does a Senior Head Chef make in Melbourne?
Head chef is the senior kitchen role, so the $105k p90 is near the ceiling here, attached to prestige or high-volume venues. Moving higher means executive chef or multi-site culinary roles, which reward menu development across outlets and managing a brigade of head chefs rather than one kitchen.

Other roles in Melbourne

Head Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $93,750 —
Sydney $100,000 +7%

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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.