Sous chef salary: how it compares to the Australian full-time average

Where the national average sits

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70. Multiplied by 52, that works out to about $108,352 a year. This is the benchmark used on this site to compare any salary against the typical full-time worker in Australia.

For context, the full-time median (the middle point of all full-time earnings) is about $90,532 a year, based on the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey from August 2025. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 a week for a 38-hour week, which comes to about $52,255 a year.

What the award says about sous chef pay

Most sous chefs in Australia are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. The award does not have a classification called “sous chef”. Instead, the role is typically matched to a cook grade based on the level of skill, training and responsibility. The pay guide published by Fair Work (effective from 1 July 2026) shows the following minimum rates for full-time cooks:

Level 2 cook grade 1: $27.08 per hour, $1,029.10 per week
Level 3 cook grade 2: The award does not list a specific rate in the provided pay guide, but it is higher than Level 2.
Level 4 cook grade 3: Higher still, often requiring a trade certificate or equivalent experience.

A sous chef would generally be classified at Level 3 or Level 4, meaning the minimum hourly rate is above $27.08. However, the exact rate depends on the individual’s qualifications and the employer’s classification. Many sous chefs are paid above the award rate, especially in high-end restaurants or hotels.

How sous chef pay compares to the national average

Because the ABS does not publish a specific average for sous chefs, we have to rely on award minimums and industry knowledge. A sous chef on the Level 2 award rate ($27.08/hour) would earn about $53,513 a year if working 38 hours a week with no overtime or penalties. That is well below the national full-time average of $108,352. However, most sous chefs work more than 38 hours, receive penalty rates for evenings and weekends, and are often paid above the award.

A more realistic salary for a qualified sous chef in a capital city might be between $65,000 and $85,000 a year, depending on experience and venue. That would still be below the national average but above the all-employees median. In top-tier restaurants, sous chefs can earn $90,000 or more, which approaches or exceeds the full-time average.

It is important to remember that the national average includes all full-time workers, from CEOs to entry-level staff. A sous chef’s pay is influenced by the industry’s relatively low average earnings: the ABS data for “Accommodation and food services” (not shown in the provided table but available from the ABS) typically shows average weekly earnings below the all-industries average.

What this means for you

If you are a sous chef or considering the role, you can Place a salary on the line to see exactly how it compares to the national full-time average. The tool will show your weekly and hourly equivalent (based on a 38-hour week) and the distance from the $108,352 benchmark.

For a more detailed breakdown by occupation, visit the Job medians page, which includes median earnings for chefs and other hospitality roles from the ABS Employee Earnings survey.

Remember that award rates change each year, usually on 1 July. The rates in this article are from the Fair Work pay guide published 24 June 2026, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Conclusion

A sous chef salary in Australia is not published as a single figure by the ABS, but it can be compared to the national full-time average of $108,352 a year. Most sous chefs earn below that average, though experienced chefs in high-end venues may reach or exceed it. The Hospitality Award sets minimum rates that are well below the average, but penalty rates and over-award payments can lift total earnings. For a personalised comparison, use the Place a salary on the line tool on this site.

Questions

What is the average salary for a sous chef in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average earnings figure for sous chefs. The closest occupational group is chefs (ANZSCO 3513), for which the median weekly earnings are available on the [Job medians](/occupations) page. Many sous chefs are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award, which sets minimum rates for classifications such as cook grades. A Level 2 cook under that award earns $27.08 per hour, or $1,029.10 per week, as of 1 July 2026.

How does a sous chef salary compare to the national full-time average?

The national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A sous chef earning above the award minimum may reach or exceed this average, especially in fine-dining or high-end establishments. However, many sous chefs earn below the average, particularly in casual or regional settings. The full-time median for all employees is about $90,532, so a sous chef on a typical award-based salary would be below the average but possibly near the median.

Is a sous chef covered by the Hospitality Award?

Yes, most sous chefs in Australia are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, unless they are covered by an enterprise agreement or are classified as managerial. The award does not have a specific 'sous chef' classification; instead, the role is usually matched to a cook grade (Level 2, 3 or 4) depending on skill and responsibility. The minimum hourly rate for a Level 2 cook from 1 July 2026 is $27.08, with higher rates for Level 3 and above. Penalty rates apply for evening, night, Saturday and Sunday work.