What is the minimum wage for a chef in Australia?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. However, most chefs are covered by the Restaurant Industry Award 2020, which has classification levels (e.g., Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef) with higher minimum rates. The lowest ongoing award classification cannot fall below the national minimum wage. Introductory rates for new employees are $25.74 per hour for the first six months. Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates may be lower.

How do I find the correct award rate for my chef role?

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. The Restaurant Industry Award 2020 sets minimum rates for chefs based on classification and experience. Your employer may also be covered by an enterprise agreement that provides higher pay. If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage applies.

Do chefs get paid superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This applies to all employees, including chefs, regardless of whether they are paid at the award rate, above award, or under an enterprise agreement. Super is not included in the hourly or weekly wage figures shown on this site.

Chef salary Australia: minimum wage, award rates and what chefs actually earn

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but most chefs are covered by the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 which sets higher minimum rates; survey data from 2019 showed a median chef hourly rate of $28.15.

Understanding the chef salary Australia landscape

When you search for "chef salary Australia", you are likely trying to work out whether the pay you receive or are offered is fair and legal. The answer depends on which pay floor applies to your situation. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries, so you can make a practical check with an hourly rate.

The legal minimum wage for chefs

The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, this rate only applies to employees who are not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. Most chefs in Australia are covered by the Restaurant Industry Award 2020. That award contains classification levels such as Commis Chef, Demi Chef, Chef de Partie, Second Chef, and Sous Chef, each with its own minimum hourly rate. These award rates are updated each year through the Annual Wage Review. For the 2026–27 financial year, award minimum wages rose by 4.75%, and the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. An introductory rate of $25.74 per hour applies for the first six months of employment under the award.

If you are a junior employee (under 21), an apprentice, or a trainee, different percentage-based rates apply. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that award-free juniors receive a percentage of the adult national minimum wage – for example, a 17‑year‑old gets 57.8% ($15.29 per hour). Apprentice and trainee rates for award-free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.

Survey data on what chefs actually earn

The most recent publicly available survey of chef earnings comes from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, analysed by the Attorney‑General’s Department for the Fair Work Commission. Based on 2019 data (the latest available at the time of the analysis), the median hourly earnings for chefs were $28.15 and the mean was $29.45. The median weekly earnings were $1,126.00. These figures exclude junior employees and the 25% casual loading, and are limited to employees working 35–45 hours per week. At that time, the award rates ranged from $19.49 (introductory) to $24.77 (Level 6). The survey data shows that many chefs were already earning above the award minimums. Since 2019, wage growth and annual review increases have likely pushed both award rates and actual earnings higher. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but chef earnings may differ from that broad average.

Award rates vs. negotiated salaries

A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum wage. If you work under an enterprise agreement, check that document for your minimum pay. Many chefs negotiate above‑award salaries, especially in fine‑dining or high‑volume establishments. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help you identify the correct award classification and minimum rate for your role. Remember that the superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings – it is not part of the hourly rate.

Practical check: comparing your hourly rate

If you have an hourly rate in mind, start by comparing it to the national minimum wage of $26.44. If your rate is below that, it may be unlawful unless you are a junior, apprentice, trainee, or on an introductory award rate. Next, check whether your role is covered by the Restaurant Industry Award. Use the Rate tables on this site to see the classification structure and the current minimum rates (updated after each Annual Wage Review). If your rate is above the award minimum, that is likely a negotiated salary. For a full explanation of how these figures are calculated, see How the figures work.

Important caveats

The 2019 HILDA survey data is the most recent detailed chef earnings data available from the Fair Work Commission’s analysis. Current earnings may be higher.
The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.
This guide provides orientation only and is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the relevant award or agreement for your specific situation.