Head Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated 02/08/2026

Head Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $80,000 and $125,000. That sits 5% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 37 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 57th percentile by listing volume in Sydney

ADVERTISED RANGE

$80,000 – $125,000

Median: $100,000

Jun $100k

Jul $100k

→ Stable

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

Mid level

$80,000 – $120,000

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 37 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 45.9% stated a salary directly. The remaining 54.1% 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% $80,000 Median $100,000 $125,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Head chefs earn $100,000 in Sydney against $95,000 in Melbourne and $87,000 in Brisbane, with the median and listing count both unchanged at 37. This is the one kitchen title that clears its city median, sitting 5.3% above Sydney's $95,000 benchmark. It also pays $20,000 more than chefs and $25,000 more than cooks in the same city, making Sydney's kitchen ladder the steepest in this report. At 46% salary disclosure the figure is reasonably supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)

~$1,443

Monthly (net)

~$6,253

Annual (net)

~$75,033

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

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 Sydney?

The $80,000 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, making the step up worth $15,000. Menu costing, supplier management and rostering are what separate head chef work from senior cooking.

Is $100,000 a good salary in Sydney?

Yes, modestly. At $100,000 a head chef earns 5.3% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,443 a week against the highest living costs in this report. It is the only hospitality role in this entire report to clear its city median. Melbourne and Brisbane both pay less for the same title.

How much does a Senior Head Chef make in Sydney?

The ceiling is $125,000, reached through executive chef roles, multi-venue oversight or high-profile establishments. Venue reputation and covers per service are what employers price at that level. This is the top of the kitchen hierarchy in advertised listings.

Other roles in Sydney

Head Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Sydney
Sydney (this page)	$100,000	0%
Melbourne	$95,000	-5%
Brisbane	$87,500	-12%

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