Chef Jobs in Demand 2025: Shortages and Opportunities

 

 

Australia is facing a critical chef shortage in 2025, a challenge that poses significant hurdles for the hospitality industry and presents immense opportunities for culinary professionals. With chefs officially listed on the national Skills Priority List, the demand for skilled kitchen staff has never been higher 1. This article explores the driving forces behind the shortage, the roles in highest demand, and the opportunities available for chefs in Australia.

 

The State of the Chef Shortage in 2025

 

The Australian hospitality industry has rebounded strongly, but the culinary workforce has not kept pace. A combination of factors, including a decline in apprenticeships, experienced chefs leaving the industry, and a growing demand for dining and catering services, has created a perfect storm. This has led to intense competition for talent, driving up wages and forcing employers to rethink their recruitment and retention strategies

“The chef shortage in Australia remains one of the biggest challenges facing hospitality businesses in 2025. From fine dining restaurants to large-scale caterers and FIFO camps, employers are competing for a shrinking pool of skilled culinary professionals.” – Chef Hire

 

Chef Roles in Highest Demand

The shortage is not uniform across all kitchen positions. Certain roles are proving particularly difficult to fill, making them highly sought-after in the current job market.

 

Rank	Chef Role	Why They Are in Demand
1	Chef de Partie (CDP)	The backbone of the kitchen, responsible for running a specific section. Many have left the industry or moved to casual roles.
2	Sous Chef	A crucial leadership role that is becoming increasingly difficult to fill, leading to higher wages.
3	FIFO & Remote Site Chefs	Driven by the growth in the mining and resources sector, particularly in WA, QLD, and NT.
4	Head & Executive Chefs	Leadership roles requiring management, menu development, and cost control skills are in short supply.
5	Temp & Casual Chefs	The demand for flexibility from both employers and chefs has fueled a surge in temporary and casual positions.

 

Emerging Specializations

Beyond the traditional kitchen hierarchy, there is a growing demand for chefs with specialized skills, including:

• Pastry Chefs & Baker-Patisserie Specialists: Driven by Australia’s vibrant café culture and the demand for high-quality desserts and baked goods.
• Dietary & Allergen-Specialist Chefs: A rise in dietary awareness and regulations has created a need for chefs with expertise in this area.
• Event & Contract Catering Chefs: The booming events industry requires chefs experienced in high-volume catering.

 

Chef Salaries and Pay Rates in 2025

The intense competition for chefs has led to a significant increase in wages. While average salaries on job sites like SEEK and Indeed range from $72,000 to $80,000 per year 4 5, the official minimum pay rates are set by the Restaurant Industry Award [MA000119].

Here is a summary of the minimum hourly rates for qualified chefs (tradespersons) as of 1 July 2025

 

Classification Level	Base Hourly Rate	Saturday Rate	Sunday Rate	Public Holiday Rate
Level 4 – Cook (Tradesperson)	$28.12	$35.15	$42.18	$63.27
Level 5 – Cook (Tradesperson)	$29.88	$37.35	$44.82	$67.23
Level 6 – Cook (Tradesperson)	$30.68	$38.35	$46.02	$69.03

 

Many employers are offering salaries well above the award rates to attract and retain top talent, making it a lucrative time to be a chef in Australia.

 

Opportunities for Chefs

The current market presents a wealth of opportunities for both new and experienced chefs.

• Career Progression: The shortage of senior chefs means there are clear pathways for ambitious cooks to advance into leadership roles more quickly.
• Higher Wages: With employers competing for staff, chefs are in a strong position to negotiate higher salaries and better working conditions.
• Flexibility: The rise of temp and casual work offers chefs greater control over their work-life balance.
• Sponsorship and Visa Opportunities: The inclusion of chefs on the Skills Priority List opens doors for international culinary professionals seeking to work in Australia.

 

Tips

While the chef shortage poses a significant challenge for the Australian hospitality industry, it has created a job market ripe with opportunities for skilled culinary professionals. With high demand across a range of roles, rising wages, and clear pathways for career advancement, there has never been a better time to be a chef in Australia. By honing their skills and exploring the diverse opportunities available, chefs can build a successful and rewarding career in this dynamic industry.