Explore Jobs Opportunities for Chefs in Australia in 2025

In Australia, chefs are among the most sizzling professions  on the job market.  As of the latest Occupation Shortages List 2024, presented by Jobs and Skills Australia, chefs have gained their position among the top 10 most in-demand professions in Australia. 

Chefs, pastry chefs, and bakers ranking at the number 8 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) National Skills Priority List have cooked their way into the Australian jobs market in the recent year.

If you are looking for job opportunities for chefs or want to pursue your career as a chef in Australia, this is a great opportunity for you.

Let’s get started to learn more about chef jobs  opportunities in Australia.

Reasons for Current Demand for Chefs in Australia

According to the recent report of Jobs and Skills Australia, there has been a significant increase in job vacancies for chefs in Australia.  Many restaurants across Australia are offering employment opportunities to overseas individuals as chefs. The hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services, relies heavily on skilled chefs to deliver high-quality culinary experiences.

This current demand for chefs has increased due to many factors, such as the growth of the tourism sector, the popularity of dining out, the expansion of food delivery services, and more.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry has experienced a serious downturn in Australia. However, after the restrictions were released, there was a renewed demand for chefs to create dining experiences, which led to a shortage of skilled chefs in Australian restaurants. Moreover, this shortage increased because of the limited influx of new workers as chefs as well as the retirement of experienced chef professionals.

Types of Chef Positions in Demand in Australia

No doubt, working in the kitchen as a chef might be exciting and your favorite thing to do. In Australia, there are various types of chefs, each with their own set of responsibilities and eligibility requirements. Some of the most in-demand chef positions in Australia right now include:

Head Chef

In restaurant kitchens, the head chef plays the role of executive chef. They oversee the complete responsibilities of the kitchen, like monitoring kitchen activities, menu planning, staff management, and food preparation. Sometimes, head chefs also train new employees. Further, they maintain relationships with vendors, their employees, and customers. 

Sous Chef

After the head chef, Sous chefs are the second-in-command in the kitchen. They work directly with an executive or the head chefs and supervise other kitchen staff. They play the role of assistants and communicate with the chefs to ensure they have completed the orders and have ingredients and culinary tools. 

Pastry Chefs

Pastry chefs, also known as patissiers, specialize in making all kinds of desserts, pastries, and baked goods. They are in-demand kitchen employees in Australia. Pastry chefs also prepare batters and doughs, bake them, and decorate them. Some of their baking items include breadcakes, croissants, puff pastries, eclairs, and more. 

Chef de Partie

A chef de partie, sometimes called a line cook, oversees a specific section of the kitchen, like the grill or the sauce station. Its primary duties in the kitchen include food preparation before meal service tasks, setting up and stocking the kitchen station, and plating the food. Further, the CDP ensures that the team follows hygiene and safety measures.

What Regions in Australian have the Highest Demand for Chefs?

Australian regions with a high demand for chef positions include major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Moreover, other popular tourist destinations like the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays exist.

What is the Average Salary for Chefs in Australia?

The average salaries for chefs can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of chef and establishment. However, the average range of salaries is approximately $69, 417 per year or $35.60 per hour. For entry-level positions, salary starts at $60,000 per year, while for the most experienced chefs, salary is up to $85,671 per year.

What are the Pathways to Becoming a Chef in Australia?

To work as a qualified chef in Australia, you are required to have a certificate in commercial cookery or an international equivalent qualification.  However, you can also study in Australia as an international student in the available cookery courses, such as:

• Certificates III & IV in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma of Hospitality Management

What are Visa Options for Aspiring Chefs in Australia?

If you want to pursue a career as a chef, there are lots of work opportunities for internationally skilled and qualified chefs.  To do this, you have to apply for a valid Australian visa. The Australian Government offers several visa options for skilled chefs who want to work as chefs in Australia. These visa options for chefs may include:

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482): This visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): This is another option for skilled overseas chefs who want to work in Australia. To apply for this visa, they must meet the points-based criteria ( they do not require employer sponsorship).

Start Your First Step Now

This higher demand for chefs in Australia is at an all-time high these days; that is why it is making attractive career options for aspiring chefs or culinary professionals.  Further, including chefs in the Skill Occupation Shortages List, 2024 also highlights the importance of this profession in Australia. So, if you are also considering starting your chef career in Australia, take advantage of this opportunity visa state nomination program of Australia for 2024–25, as many state nominations are open now.

Get Started with Professional Help

Since the start of 2024, the Australian government has been trying to attract and retain skilled migrants worldwide via the Australia State Visa Allocation 2024-2025. This program is an excellent opportunity for those wanting to migrate and work in Australia as chefs permanently. Like other Australian visas and migration programs, this program has specific requirements you must meet to get job opportunities in Australia in 2025. 

So, for professional help, contact migration agents at the migration. They will provide you with expert guidance regarding your chef-related application needs .If you don’t miss out on the opportunity, apply for the nominations for your prior visa within the state nominations for chefs’ occupations now. 

Book an appointment now!