What award covers head chefs?

Most head chefs in restaurants, pubs, and hotels are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 or the Restaurant Industry Award 2020. The classification depends on skill level and duties. A head chef typically falls under Level 4 to Level 6 of the Restaurant Award, with minimum hourly rates from $27.08 to $29.45 (as at 1 July 2026, based on the 4.75% increase). Check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool for your exact classification.

How much super do I get on my head chef salary?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. For a head chef earning $1,200 per week, that’s an extra $144 per week into your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay.

Can my head chef salary be less than the award rate?

No. If you are covered by a modern award, your base rate must be at least the award minimum for your classification. Enterprise agreements can set different rates, but they cannot undercut the award. Award-free employees must receive at least the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026). Junior, apprentice, or supported wage employees may be paid less under specific rules.

Head chef salary in Australia: award minimums, market rates, and what you take home

The minimum award rate for a head chef depends on classification; the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026, but most head chefs earn well above this.

What is the minimum wage for a head chef?

The term "head chef salary" covers a wide range, from the legal minimum under an award to much higher market rates. Understanding the pay floor is the first step.

Most head chefs in Australia are covered by either the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 or the Restaurant Industry Award 2020. These awards set minimum hourly rates for each classification level. A head chef is typically classified at Level 4, 5, or 6 under the Restaurant Award, depending on responsibilities and qualifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for the Hospitality Award (effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026) shows rates for lower classifications only, but the full award includes higher levels. For example, Level 4 minimum is $27.08 per hour, Level 5 is $28.27, and Level 6 is $29.45 (based on the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review). These rates are the legal minimum – you cannot be paid less unless you are a junior, apprentice, or on a supported wage.

If you are award-free (rare for head chefs), the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, so $33.05 per hour.

Remember: the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.

How does the head chef salary compare to award rates?

Survey data shows that most head chefs earn well above the award minimum. The Attorney-General’s Department analysed 2019 HILDA survey data for chefs (ANZSCO unit group 3513, which includes head chefs). The median hourly earnings were $28.15, and median weekly earnings were $1,126.00. That was already above the 2019 award rates (Level 6 was $24.77 per hour). By 2026, with wage growth and the 4.75% award increase, the median is likely higher.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) May 2026 data shows full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. While that figure includes all occupations, it gives context: a head chef earning $1,200 per week is below the national average but still above the award minimum.

The weekly packet: tax, Medicare, and super

Let’s look at what a head chef earning $1,200 per week (above award) actually takes home. This is for a resident adult with no HELP debt, using 2026-27 tax rates.

Gross weekly: $1,200.00
Annualised: $62,400
Estimated tax (using ATO rates): about $11,067 per year, or $213 per week
Medicare levy (2% of taxable income above $30,000): about $648 per year, or $12 per week
Net weekly take-home: approximately $975

Superannuation is paid on top: 12% of $1,200 = $144 per week into your super fund. That is not part of your take-home pay.

If you are on the award minimum for a Level 6 head chef ($29.45 per hour, $1,119.10 per week), the net would be around $910 per week after tax and Medicare.

These figures are estimates. Your actual tax depends on the low-income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice arrangements.

Where to get your exact rate

Your head chef salary must be at least the award rate for your classification. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide for the Hospitality Award or use the Pay and Conditions Tool to find your classification. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set a higher rate.

For more on how minimum wages work, see our Which minimum wage applies, Rate tables, and How the figures work guides.

Summary

A head chef salary in Australia starts at the award minimum (around $27 to $29 per hour from July 2026) but most head chefs earn more, with median weekly earnings around $1,126 (2019 data). Your take-home pay depends on tax and Medicare, and super is an extra 12% paid by your employer. Always check your award or agreement to ensure you are paid correctly.