Sous Chefs in Sydney earn a median salary of $85,000 in 2026,
with most advertised roles falling between $77,250 and $100,000.
That sits 6% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726.
Figures are based on 30 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.
— Moderate demand51th percentile by listing volume in Sydney↑ +3 listings vs last month
💰 Sous Chef · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$77,250 – $100,000
Median: $85,000
Apr$85k
May$85k
→ Stable
Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.
Mid level
$80,700 – $100,000
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% $77,250Median $85,000$100,000 Top 10%
Understanding the Sydney Market
Sous Chefs in Sydney earned $85,000 at the median in May, unchanged from April, with 30 listings (up 3). At 6.3% below Sydney's all-roles median, the Sous Chef role earns below the city average, consistent with hospitality management roles generally. The 27% spread ($80,700-$100,000) is slightly wider than Melbourne's, and the ceiling at $100,000 suggests some premium-level positions in Sydney's fine dining and hotel sector can push above the $90,000 Melbourne cap.
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?
Sous Chefs starting in Sydney earn around $80,700 at the p10. Sydney's hospitality sector is larger and more diverse than Melbourne's, with a stronger representation of hotel food and beverage departments and high-profile restaurant groups that offer above-award base rates. Reaching the $85,000 median typically requires five or more years of kitchen leadership experience.
Is $85,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Marginally below market. At $85,000, a Sydney Sous Chef earns 6.3% below the city's all-roles median in the most expensive city in Australia. The unsociable hours, physical demands, and team leadership scope of the role deserve a premium that the hospitality sector has historically not provided. The $100,000 ceiling at the p90 is the target for experienced sous chefs at premium Sydney venues.
How much does a Senior Sous Chef make in Sydney?
Experienced Sous Chefs in Sydney reach $100,000 at the p90. This ceiling is found at hotel food and beverage departments, large-scale fine dining venues, or stadium and event catering operations where the kitchen brigade is large and the sous chef role carries significant operational and training accountability. Moving to a Head Chef role is the primary route to consistently breaking above $100,000.
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.