Chef Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for chefs in Victoria under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Chef — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$26.10
Base rate/hr
$32.63
Casual rate/hr
Chefs plan menus, prepare and cook food in commercial kitchens. Qualified chefs are typically classified at Level 3 or above under the Hospitality Award.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Chef
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.10/hr | $991.80 | $51,573.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.10/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $32.63/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Chef
Saturday
$32.63/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$39.15/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$58.73/hr
2.25x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($26.10/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Cook grade 3 (qualified) | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
| Level 4 | Cook grade 4 (tradesperson cook) | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
| Level 5 | Chef (experienced tradesperson) | $28.60 | $35.75 | $56,513.60 |
| Level 6 | Chef de partie / sous chef | $30.16 | $37.70 | $59,596.16 |
View full Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Chef?
Chefs frequently work long hours in high-pressure environments. Common underpayment issues include unpaid overtime, split shifts without proper compensation, and failure to provide mandatory breaks.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barista | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Bartender | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Kitchen Hand | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a chef get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a chef in Victoria is $26.10/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $32.63/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a chef?
The minimum wage for a chef is $26.10 per hour ($991.80 per week for a 38-hour week, or $51,573.60 per year). This is set by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers chefs?
Chefs are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do chefs get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, chefs receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($32.63/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($39.15/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($58.73/hr).
What is the casual rate for a chef?
The casual rate for a chef is $32.63/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.10/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old chef get paid?
Qualified cooks and chefs are not subject to junior rates as they hold trade qualifications. The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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