Exploring Jobs Opportunities for Chefs in Australia in 2025
Chefs are one of the most in-demand jobs in Australia. According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s most recent Occupation Shortages List 2024, chefs have risen to the top ten most in-demand professions in Australia.
Chefs, pastry chefs, and bakers, who are ranked eighth on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) National Skills Priority List, have recently found work in Australia.
If you are looking for chef job prospects or want to advance your career as a chef in Australia, this is an excellent option.
Let’s get started and learn more about chef career prospects in Australia.
Reasons for Current Demand for Chefs in Australia
According to a recent survey by Jobs and Skills Australia, there has been a considerable increase in job openings for chefs in Australia. Many restaurants in Australia are hiring overseas cooks. The hospitality business, which includes restaurants, hotels, and catering services, relies largely on experienced chefs to provide exceptional culinary experiences.
The current demand for chefs is driven by a variety of causes, including the growth of the tourism industry, the popularity of dining out, the proliferation of food delivery services, and more.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s hospitality business has faced a significant decline. However, once the limits were lifted, there was a revived need for chefs to offer dining experiences, resulting in a lack of qualified cooks in Australia’s restaurants. Furthermore, the restricted influx of young chefs and the retirement of experienced chefs exacerbated the shortfall.
Types of Chef Positions in Demand in Australia
Working in the kitchen as a chef may be an interesting and enjoyable experience for you. In Australia, there are several sorts of cooks, each with their own set of duties and eligibility requirements. Some of the most in-demand chef positions in Australia now include:
Head Chef
In restaurant kitchens, the head chef serves as the executive chef. They are in charge of the kitchen’s whole operations, including monitoring kitchen activity, menu planning, staff management, and food preparation. Sometimes head chefs teach new personnel. Furthermore, they maintain ties with vendors, staff, and customers.
Sous Chef
Sous chefs are the kitchen’s second-in-command, behind the head chef. They report directly to an executive or the head chef and supervise other kitchen employees. They work as assistants and communicate with the chefs to ensure that orders are performed and that ingredients and culinary tools are available.
Pastry chefs
Pastry chefs, often known as patissiers, specialize in creating a wide range of desserts, pastries, and baked foods. They are in high demand as kitchen employees in Australia. Pastry chefs also make batters and doughs and bake and decorate them. Their baked goods include breadcakes, croissants, puff pastries, eclairs, and more.
Chef de partie
A chef de partie, often known as a line cook, is responsible for a certain portion of the kitchen, such as the grill or the sauce station. Its main responsibilities in the kitchen include food preparation prior to meal serving activities, setting up and stocking the kitchen station, and plating the food. Furthermore, the CDP ensures that the staff observes hygiene and safety protocols.
What Regions in Australia have the Highest Demand for Chefs?
Chef positions are in high demand in Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. There are also other major tourist spots, such as the Gold Coast and the Whitsunday Islands.
The Average Salary for a Chef in Australia
Chefs’ typical earnings vary depending on experience, region, and the type of chef and establishment. However, the typical salary range is $69,417 per year, or $35.60 per hour. Entry-level roles start at $60,000 per year, while the most experienced chefs earn up to $85,671 per year.
Pathways to Becoming a Chef in Australia?
To work as a qualified chef in Australia, you must hold a certificate in commercial cooking or an international comparable qualification. You can also study in Australia as an international student in the offered cuisine courses, such as:
Qualifications include Certificates III and IV in Commercial Cookery and a Diploma in Hospitality Management.
Visa Options for Aspiring Chefs in Australia
If you desire to work as a chef, there are several job options for globally trained and qualified chefs. To achieve this, you must apply for a valid Australian visa. The Australian Government provides numerous immigration alternatives for skilled cooks who want to work in Australia. These visa alternatives for chefs could include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): Employers can sponsor skilled workers for up to four years.
- Experienced Independent visa (subclass 189): This is another option for experienced international chefs seeking to work in Australia. To apply for this visa, they must meet the points-based criterion (no employer sponsorship is required).
How to Apply for Chef Jobs in Australia
Begin Your First Step Now
The need for chefs in Australia is currently at an all-time high, offering enticing employment opportunities for aspiring chefs or culinary professionals. Furthermore, having chefs on the Skill Occupation Shortages List for 2024 emphasizes the importance of this profession in Australia. So, if you are considering starting your chef career in Australia, take advantage of Australia’s opportunity visa state nomination program for 2024-25, as many state nominations are currently open.
What is it Like to Work in Australia?
The services sector dominates the Australian economy, with agriculture coming in close behind. Tourism is also a huge sector, particularly in larger towns and cities. Your prospects of getting a graduate job are better in metropolitan places like Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, but don’t rule out more remote areas. If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, your chances of finding work are excellent.
The typical working week in Australia is 38 hours, Monday through Friday, and full-time employees are entitled to four weeks of annual holiday as well as public holidays.
Australia’s national public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day.
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day.
Keep in mind that the amount of public holidays you are entitled to varies according to where you live in the country. Other public holidays, like as King’s Day and Labour Day, are declared by state and territory governments.