Chef salary in Australia: How to calculate your annual pay from an hourly rate

How to calculate a chef salary in Australia

If you are a chef or employer trying to understand pay, the starting point is the hourly rate under the relevant award. Most chefs in Australia are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission publishes minimum rates for each classification level. To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the standard formula:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

This calculation assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For full-time employees, the award defines ordinary hours as an average of 38 per week. That is the figure we use here. If you work part-time or casual, your weekly hours may differ, but the same formula applies with your actual hours.

For example, a Level 4 chef (Cook tradesperson grade 3) on the minimum award rate of $29.45 per hour would earn:

• Weekly: $29.45 × 38 = $1,119.10
• Fortnightly: $1,119.10 × 2 = $2,238.20
• Annual: $29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,205.20

You can check your own rate using the timesheet, which lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading.

Award rates for chefs

The Hospitality Award sets out minimum pay for different chef and cook classifications. The table below shows selected full-time rates from the award (effective 1 July 2026):

Classification	Hourly rate	Weekly rate (38 hours)
Introductory level	$25.74	$978.10
Level 1 – Kitchen attendant grade 1	$26.44	$1,004.90
Level 2 – Cook grade 1	$27.08	$1,029.10
Level 3 – Cook grade 2	$27.97	$1,062.90
Level 4 – Cook (tradesperson) grade 3	$29.45	$1,119.10
Level 5 – Cook (tradesperson) grade 4	$31.30	$1,189.40
Level 6 – Cook (tradesperson) grade 5	$32.13	$1,221.10

These are minimum rates. Many chefs earn above the award, especially in high-end venues or with experience. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly earnings (May 2026) were $2,083.70, but that figure includes all occupations. For a more tailored estimate, use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Casual loading and superannuation

If you work as a casual chef, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. This is specified in clause 11 of the Hospitality Award. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. For example, a casual Level 4 chef would earn $29.45 × 1.25 = $36.81 per hour.

Superannuation is separate. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. The contribution is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year (2026-27). For a chef earning $58,205, the employer would add $6,984.60 in super.

Tax and take-home pay

Once you have your annual gross salary, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026-27 resident tax rates:

• Nil tax on the first $18,200
• 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). For a Level 4 chef earning $58,205, the estimated tax would be about $8,467 plus Medicare of $1,164, leaving around $48,574 after tax. This is before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.

Using the timesheet calculator

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your hourly rate and see the annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents. You can also toggle casual loading and see the super contribution. For a deeper look at award classifications, visit the reference tables page. If you want to compare your pay to industry averages, check the average pay topic.

Remember that the figures here are estimates. Your actual pay may differ due to overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or enterprise agreements. Always refer to the relevant award or your employment contract for precise entitlements.