Sous Chef Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Sous Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $85,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $76,500 and $100,000. That sits 10% below 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 ↑ +7 listings vs last month
💰 Sous Chef · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$76,500 – $100,000
Median: $85,000
May $85k
Jun $85k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $78,500 – $100,000
Overall $76k–$100k Mid $78k–$100k $74k $79k $85k $91k $97k $103k
Moderate confidence 37 listings (+7 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%  $76,500 Median  $85,000 $100,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Listings grew from 30 to 37 while the median held flat at $85k, so demand is up on stable pay for Sydney sous chefs. The role sits 11% below the city all-roles median, normal for hospitality, and edges out Melbourne ($82.5k). The tight $76.5k to $100k band reflects a defined kitchen role a step below head chef. This is a stepping-stone position, and the pay tracks that.

Take Home Pay (based on median $85,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,254
Monthly (net)
~$5,434
Annual (net)
~$65,208
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $94,775

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 Sydney?
A sous chef in Sydney starts near the $76.5k floor, having usually come up through chef de partie roles. Reaching the $100k top comes from venue type and kitchen scale: fine-dining, hotel and high-volume kitchens pay above casual dining, and a sous chef running the pass and managing a brigade in the head chef's absence commands more. It is a senior kitchen role, so responsibility drives the top end.
Is $85,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends. At $85k the median is 11% below Sydney's $95k all-roles median, standard for hospitality, and nets around $65k after tax, tight in an expensive city. The gap is normal for the role rather than a concern, and the rising demand is a positive. As a stepping stone to head chef, the pay is fair for the responsibility carried.
How much does a Senior Sous Chef make in Sydney?
There is no separate senior tier in the data, so the $100k top of the range is the ceiling for the title. The real step up is to Head or Executive Chef, where menu ownership, ordering, costing and running the whole kitchen lift pay well beyond the band. Moving into a larger or higher-end venue is where the numbers climb past $100k.

Other roles in Sydney

Sous Chef salaries in other cities

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

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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.