
This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersA Chef plans menus, prepares meals, manages kitchen staff, and ensures quality, working in restaurants, cafés, or catering with diverse dietary needs.
Get qualified to work as a Chef with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Browse occupations related to Chef
In Australia, a full time Chef generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly over the last five years. There are currently 101,000 people employed as a Chef in Australia compared to 80,200 five years ago. Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. You’ll learn basic cooking and food preparation methods and develop the skills to cook a range of meals, appetisers, salads and desserts. A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or a Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery) may also be appropriate.
A Chef organises and prepares food items in a commercial kitchen. You might work in a high end restaurant, a small café or for a catering company. Chefs plan menu items and may need to cater for special occasions or for other needs such as special dietary requirements. You might order supplies, check the quality of ingredients and supervise other staff working in your kitchen.
Chefs should be creative and passionate about food preparation. You’ll need to be highly organised and able to manage work in a busy kitchen environment. Chefs should have strong leadership skills and be able to communicate well with their team. You must be able to handle several tasks at one time and be prepared to work a range of shifts such as nights and weekends.