Chef Jobs in Australia with Sponsorship

Australia has become one of the world’s top destinations for hospitality professionals, especially chefs. With a strong demand for international cuisines and a shortage of qualified local workers, many restaurants, hotels, and catering companies are offering chef jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.

This is a golden opportunity for skilled cooks and chefs who want to work, live, and potentially gain Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.

Why Work as a Chef in Australia?

High Demand: Chefs are listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Visa Sponsorship Available: Employers can sponsor chefs under the TSS (Subclass 482) visa.
Competitive Salaries: Chefs are among the better-paid hospitality workers.
Pathway to PR: Sponsored chefs can apply for Subclass 186 Permanent Residency.
Global Exposure: Work in multicultural kitchens across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and regional areas.

Types of Chef Jobs in Australia with Sponsorship

Head Chef / Executive Chef – Lead kitchen operations, menu design, and staff training.
Sous Chef – Second-in-command, assisting in kitchen management.
Pastry Chef / Baker – Specialize in desserts, breads, and baked goods.
Commis Chef / Line Cook – Entry-level chefs preparing specific dishes.
Specialist Cuisine Chefs – Indian, Thai, Italian, Japanese, and other international cuisines are in high demand.

Average Salaries for Chefs in Australia

Role	Annual Salary (AUD)	Hourly Wage (AUD)
Commis Chef / Line Cook	48,000 – 55,000	23 – 27
Pastry Chef / Baker	50,000 – 65,000	24 – 30
Sous Chef	60,000 – 75,000	28 – 35
Head Chef / Executive Chef	70,000 – 95,000	32 – 42
Specialist Cuisine Chef	65,000 – 90,000	30 – 38

👉 Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer. Regional areas often pay extra benefits to attract chefs.

Visa Pathways for Chefs in Australia

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

Employers sponsor skilled chefs for up to 4 years.
Requires skills assessment and experience.

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

For chefs working in regional areas.
Leads to PR after 3 years.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Permanent residency visa for sponsored workers.

4. General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190)

For highly qualified chefs applying independently through points system.

Requirements for Chef Jobs with Sponsorship

Qualifications: Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
Work Experience: Minimum 2–3 years in a professional kitchen.
Skills Assessment: Conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
Language Proficiency: IELTS (minimum 5 in each band) or equivalent.
Job Offer: Valid offer from an approved sponsor.

Best Cities & Regions for Chef Jobs

Sydney & Melbourne – Fine dining restaurants, 5-star hotels, international cuisines.
Brisbane & Gold Coast – Resorts, cafes, and tourist hubs.
Perth – Growing demand in luxury dining.
Regional Australia (Tasmania, Northern Territory, Rural Queensland) – Many sponsorships available with pathways to PR.

Top Employers & Sectors Hiring Chefs

Hotels & Resorts: Hilton, Accor, Marriott, Crown Resorts.
Restaurants & Cafes: Italian, Asian, and Indian cuisine in high demand.
Catering Companies & Event Services.
Bakeries & Patisseries.
Recruitment Agencies: Hays Hospitality, Global Work & Travel, WorkForce Australia.

How to Apply for Chef Jobs in Australia

Search jobs on Seek.com.au, Indeed Australia, Adzuna, Hays Recruitment.
Prepare an Australian-standard CV highlighting kitchen experience.
Obtain a skills assessment (TRA) if required.
Secure a job offer with sponsorship.
Employer applies for nomination under TSS or 494 visa.
Submit visa application and relocate to Australia.

Challenges for Foreign Chefs

Long working hours and physically demanding shifts.
Skills assessment and paperwork can be complex.
Relocation to regional areas may be required for sponsorship.

Benefits of Being a Chef in Australia

Competitive pay with extra benefits (weekend and holiday rates).
Opportunity to gain permanent residency.
Exposure to global cuisines and advanced kitchen practices.
High job security due to strong demand.

Conclusion

Chef jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship are one of the best opportunities for hospitality professionals in 2025. With high salaries, excellent career growth, and clear visa pathways, Australia is welcoming skilled chefs from around the world to fill labor shortages in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.

If you are a passionate cook or experienced chef, this is your chance to secure a sponsored role and build a rewarding future in Australia.