Head Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

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 on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 56th percentile by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +10 listings vs last month
💰 Head Chef · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,000 – $125,000
Median: $100,000
May $100k
Jun $100k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $80,000 – $125,000
Overall $80k–$125k Mid $80k–$125k $77k $87k $98k $108k $118k $128k
Moderate confidence 37 listings (+10 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%  $80,000 Median  $100,000 $125,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

At $100k the Sydney head chef median sits just 5.3% above the city's $95k baseline, a slim premium for the person running the whole kitchen, and it has not moved in a month. Demand rose from 27 to 37 listings, so hiring is up without a pay bump. The band is wide, $80k to $125k, reflecting the gap between a suburban venue and a hatted or high-volume kitchen. Sydney pays about $6k more than Melbourne for the role.

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?
Head chef is a senior kitchen role, so entry is via sous chef; the band starts near $80k for smaller venues. A strong menu-costing head, roster and food-safety control, and a hatted or high-profile venue on the CV are what carry someone toward the $125k top.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends. At $100k the median only just clears Sydney's baseline and nets around $75k, modest for the responsibility in an expensive city. For running a kitchen the premium is thin, so the real upside is a marquee venue or an executive-chef role, where pay pushes past the $125k ceiling.
How much does a Senior Head Chef make in Sydney?
The sample shows one band reaching $125k at the top, driven by venue prestige and volume rather than a formal grade. Getting there means running a hatted or high-turnover kitchen, with the move to executive chef across multiple venues the next pay tier.

Other roles in Sydney

Head Chef salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $100,000 —
Melbourne $93,750 -6%

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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.