Sous Chef Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated 05/07/2026

Sous Chefs in Melbourne earn a median salary of $82,500 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $72,500 and $90,000. That sits 13% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 31 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 46th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +6 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$72,500 – $90,000

Median: $82,500

May $85k

Jun $82k

↓ Trending down

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

Mid level

$71,750 – $90,000

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% $72,500 Median $82,500 $90,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne sous chef pay slipped $2,500 in a month to an $82,500 median even as listings grew from 25 to 31, so more kitchens are hiring for slightly less. That trails Sydney ($85k) and sits 13% below Melbourne's all-roles median. The tight $72k to $90k range means venue quality and hours, not negotiation, set the pay.

Take Home Pay (based on median $82,500)

Weekly (net)

~$1,223

Monthly (net)

~$5,298

Annual (net)

~$63,570

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $91,987

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 Sous Chef in Melbourne?

A sous chef starting in Melbourne earns from around $72k. A high-end or high-volume venue, formal culinary qualifications, and full kitchen-management duties (ordering, rostering, food cost) are what lift pay toward the $90k top of the band.

Is $82,500 a good salary in Melbourne?

Depends. At $82,500 the median sits 13% below Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets around $64k, which is modest for the hours hospitality demands in a high cost of living city. That gap is normal for kitchen roles below head chef, and the clear step up is Head Chef (median $93,750).

How much does a Senior Sous Chef make in Melbourne?

There is no senior band in this data, but the $90k top decile is near the ceiling for the title. Progression means the Head Chef role, where menu ownership, food-cost control and full kitchen accountability rather than more service hours drive the pay.

Other roles in Melbourne

Sous Chef salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page)	$82,500	—
Sydney	$85,000	+3%

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