What is the minimum hourly rate for a chef in Australia?

Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, a chef (tradesperson) at Level 4 earns a minimum of $29.45 per hour, or $1,119.10 per week for 38 hours. Higher classifications (Level 5 and 6) pay $31.30 and $32.13 per hour respectively. These rates are from the Fair Work Commission consolidated award effective 1 July 2026.

How is casual loading calculated for chefs?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 4 chef, the casual rate is $29.45 × 1.25 = $36.81 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. The loading is paid on top of the base rate, not included in it.

How much superannuation do chefs get?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary time earnings on top of the employee's gross pay. For a full-time chef earning $1,119.10 per week, the super contribution is $134.29 per week, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is paid in addition to wages, not deducted from them.

Chef Salary Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top

A full-time chef (tradesperson) under the Hospitality Award earns at least $29.45 per hour, or $1,119.10 per week for 38 hours, with super paid on top.

Understanding Chef Salary Australia

When researching chef salary Australia, it's essential to start with the legal minimums set by the Fair Work Commission. Chefs in Australia are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 [MA000009], which sets minimum hourly rates for different classifications. This guide explains how to convert those hourly rates to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures, and clarifies how casual loading and superannuation are paid on top.

Minimum Award Rates for Chefs

The award classifies chefs from Cook Grade 1 (entry-level) up to Cook (tradesperson) Grade 5. For a qualified tradesperson chef, the relevant levels are:

Level 4 – Cook (tradesperson) Grade 3: $29.45 per hour, $1,119.10 per week (38 hours)
Level 5 – Cook (tradesperson) Grade 4: $31.30 per hour, $1,189.40 per week
Level 6 – Cook (tradesperson) Grade 5: $32.13 per hour, $1,221.10 per week

These rates are from the Fair Work Commission's consolidated award effective 1 July 2026. The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for chefs are higher. Always check the specific classification that matches your role.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 4 chef, the casual rate is $29.45 × 1.25 = $36.81 per hour. This loading is paid instead of annual leave, sick leave, and other paid entitlements. The award states: "An employer must pay a casual employee for each hour worked a loading of 25% in addition to the ordinary hourly rate".

Superannuation is paid on top of gross wages. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time Level 4 chef earning $1,119.10 per week, the employer adds $134.29 per week to a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee's pay; it's an additional cost to the employer.

From Hourly to Annual: The Formula

To estimate annual gross pay, use the formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time chef working 38 hours per week:

Level 4: $29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,193.20 per year
Level 5: $31.30 × 38 × 52 = $61,848.80 per year
Level 6: $32.13 × 38 × 52 = $63,488.88 per year

This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. For casuals, use the casual rate (including loading) in the formula. For example, a casual Level 4 chef: $36.81 × 38 × 52 = $72,748.56 per year.

Fortnightly Pay and Tax Considerations

Many hospitality employers pay fortnightly. To find fortnightly gross pay, multiply the weekly rate by 2. For a Level 4 chef: $1,119.10 × 2 = $2,238.20 per fortnight. This is useful for budgeting and comparing to salary offers.

Tax is withheld from gross pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). The take-home pay calculator on this site can estimate net pay after tax and Medicare.

Using the Timesheet and Pay Guides

Our timesheet allows you to enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. The tool then shows weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures, plus estimated super and tax. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading; use the checkbox to add it on top.

For a complete list of award rates and allowances, see our pay guides page. The Fair Work Ombudsman also provides official pay guides for the Hospitality Award.

Key Takeaways

Chef salary Australia starts at $29.45 per hour for a tradesperson under the award.
Casual loading adds 25% on top; super adds 12% on top.
Annual estimate: hourly × 38 × 52.
Fortnightly pay is weekly × 2.
Tax and Medicare are deducted from gross pay; super is paid separately by the employer.

Always check your specific award classification and any enterprise agreement that may apply. For more details, refer to our reference tables and super and packaging pages.