Understanding the Sous Chef Salary: From Hourly Rates to Annual Pay
A sous chef under the Hospitality Industry Award (Level 4) earns at least $32.45 per hour under the loaded rate arrangement for full-time Monday to Friday, equating to approximately $67,500 per year based on 38 hours per week.
Understanding the sous chef salary: from hourly rates to annual pay
If you're a sous chef or an employer in the hospitality industry, knowing how to convert an hourly rate into an annual salary is essential for budgeting, negotiating, and compliance. This article explains the process using the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the National Minimum Wage, and the Australian Taxation Office's 2026–27 tax scales. We'll focus on the sous chef salary under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, but the method applies to any hourly-paid role.
How to convert an hourly rate to an annual salary
The basic formula is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For a full-time employee, we assume 38 ordinary hours per week (the standard under the National Employment Standards). If you work more or fewer hours, adjust accordingly. For example, a sous chef earning $32.45 per hour (the Level 4 loaded rate) working 38 hours per week would have an annual salary of:
$32.45 × 38 × 52 = $64,121.20
But note: the loaded rate arrangement in the award is based on a maximum 40‑hour week for Monday to Friday only. If your sous chef works weekends or nights, penalty rates apply separately. Always check the specific award provisions. Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents instantly.
Award rates for sous chefs under the Hospitality Industry Award
The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 covers most sous chefs in hotels, restaurants, and catering. The classification depends on skill level and duties. A sous chef is typically a Level 4 or Level 5 employee. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide effective from 1 July 2026, the loaded all‑purpose rates for full‑time Monday to Friday are:
- Level 3: $30.85 per hour
- Level 4: $32.45 per hour
- Level 5: $34.49 per hour
- Level 6: $35.41 per hour
These rates already include a loading that covers penalty rates for ordinary hours Monday to Friday. If your sous chef works outside those hours (e.g., weekends, nights, public holidays), additional penalties apply. The award also provides standard hourly rates for lower classifications (e.g., Level 2 cook grade 1 at $27.08 per hour). For a precise classification, refer to the award or use the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database.
For a sous chef working 38 hours per week at the Level 4 loaded rate, the annual salary would be approximately $64,121. However, many sous chefs work 40 hours or more, so the actual annual figure could be higher. The fortnightly pay would be $32.45 × 76 hours = $2,466.20 before tax.
The National Minimum Wage and casual loading
Not all hospitality workers are covered by an award. If a sous chef is award‑free, the National Minimum Wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38‑hour week ($1,004.90 per week). Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top, making the casual minimum rate $33.05 per hour.
For a casual sous chef under the award, the casual loading is already included in the casual rates shown in the pay guide. For example, a casual Level 2 cook grade 1 earns $33.85 per hour (including loading). Our casual loading page explains how to apply the loading correctly if you're using a base rate.
Tax and superannuation considerations
The annual salary figure from the formula is gross income before tax and super. The Australian Taxation Office's 2026–27 resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the 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 2% Medicare levy (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a sous chef earning $64,121 per year, the estimated tax would be approximately $11,167 plus Medicare, leaving a take‑home pay of around $51,700. Our take-home pay calculator can give you a more precise estimate.
Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The Super Guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a $64,121 salary, the employer would contribute an additional $7,694.50 to super. This is not deducted from the employee's pay. See our super and packaging guide for details.
Using our timesheet and pay guides
To quickly convert any hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, use our the timesheet tool. It lets you enter a base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. The results show gross pay, estimated tax, Medicare, and super. For award‑specific rates, visit our pay guides page, which links to the latest Fair Work Ombudsman summaries. You can also explore reference tables for industry averages and minimum wage updates.
Remember: the annual estimate assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates or allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Always consult the relevant award or employment contract for your exact entitlements. The Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission are the authoritative sources for minimum rates and conditions.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.