Australia Chef Jobs – High Demand, Great Lifestyle!

Thinking about starting or continuing your culinary career in Australia? You're in luck. Australia is experiencing a nationwide shortage of qualified chefs, and it's opening doors for both local and international talent. In this article, we’ll explore why chef jobs are in such high demand, how much you can earn, visa opportunities, and how you can get started.

🌟 Why Become a Chef in Australia?

Whether you're a seasoned cook or an aspiring culinary artist, chef jobs in Australia offer excellent benefits:

• Salary range: AUD $55,000–$90,000 per year
• High demand in cities and remote areas
• Pathways to permanent residency (PR)
• Work-life balance and vibrant food culture
• Opportunities to specialize in global cuisines

🟥 Chef is listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making it a top immigration pathway.

🧑‍🍳 Types of Chef Jobs Available

🔴 Employers are actively looking for chefs in both urban centers and remote regions with visa support.

📍 Where Are Chef Jobs in Demand?

Demand for culinary professionals is strong nationwide, especially in:

• New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle)
• Victoria (Melbourne)
• Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns)
• Western Australia (Perth, Broome)
• Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs)

🟥 Remote and regional areas often offer visa sponsorship, bonuses, and relocation support.

🛂 Visa Options for Foreign Chefs

If you’re an international applicant, here are common visa types that apply to chef positions:

✈️ Skilled Migration Visas:

• Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

Requirements:

• Relevant work experience (1–3+ years)
• English proficiency (IELTS 5.5+)
• Skills Assessment via TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
• Job offer from approved sponsor (for 482/186)

✅ Many restaurants and hotel chains sponsor chefs directly.

📘 Qualifications & Training

To be considered for most positions, candidates must show a certain level of qualification:

Recognized Qualifications:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (Australia)
• International culinary diplomas (Le Cordon Bleu, City & Guilds, etc.)
• On-the-job experience (may supplement qualification requirements)

Training Pathways:

• TAFE (Technical and Further Education) programs
• Private culinary schools
• Apprenticeships (for young workers or migrants)

🟩 You can study and work simultaneously through a student visa pathway.

🛠️ Day-to-Day Duties

Depending on the role and establishment, your tasks might include:

Typical Responsibilities:

• Preparing and cooking meals
• Supervising kitchen staff
• Menu planning and costing
• Inventory management
• Maintaining kitchen hygiene and food safety standards

🔴 Most employers seek chefs who can work under pressure and maintain quality.

📈 Career Growth & Salary Increase

Working as a chef in Australia isn’t just a job – it’s a career. Here's how you can grow:

Career Ladder:

1. Kitchenhand → Apprentice Chef
2. Commis Chef → Demi Chef → Chef de Partie
3. Sous Chef → Head Chef → Executive Chef

Salary Milestones:

• Entry-level: AUD $50k–$60k
• Mid-level: AUD $70k–$80k
• High-level/Executive: AUD $90k–$120k+

🟦 Salaries rise with experience, certifications, and leadership roles.

🧑‍🎓 Real-Life Case Study

Marco from Italy moved to Brisbane on a student visa to study Commercial Cookery. After graduating:

• He was hired as a Commis Chef in a local hotel
• Obtained a TSS (482) visa through sponsorship
• Got promoted to Sous Chef in under 2 years
• Applied for Permanent Residency via the 186 scheme

Now he earns AUD $85,000 and helps new chefs train in the kitchen.

🟥 International chefs have clear and proven pathways to permanent residency.

📝 How to Apply

Online Platforms:

• Seek.com.au
• Indeed.com.au
• Jora Australia
• JobSearch.gov.au
• Company websites (Hilton, Accor, Merivale, etc.)

Application Tips:

• Prepare a professional resume and cover letter
• Highlight certifications and specialties (e.g., Italian, Japanese, vegetarian)
• Mention availability for relocation or sponsorship
• Attach reference letters from previous employers

✅ Follow up with phone calls or email to show initiative.

✅ Final Thoughts

Chef jobs in Australia combine high earning potential, strong visa pathways, and an unbeatable lifestyle. Whether you're dreaming of working by the beach or in a bustling city, Australia’s culinary sector is waiting for your talent.

🟥 Don’t wait — qualified chefs are in short supply, and opportunities are filling fast! 🟥