How to land a hospitality job in Australia

Australia’s booming dining scene has created huge demand for skilled chefs and hospitality professionals.

From fine dining restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne to relaxed coastal venues in Byron Bay and Perth, employers are constantly searching for trained talent.

For overseas chefs - particularly those from the UK, Ireland, and Europe - the country’s high standard of living, strong wages, and clear visa pathways make it an attractive move.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about landing a hospitality job in Australia: understanding the job market, finding vacancies, visa options, interviews, and what to expect when you start work.

At a Glance

- Skilled chef shortage across all major cities
- Average chef salary: AUD $65,000–$85,000 (2025 median: $75,000)
- Popular hiring platforms: SEEK, Indeed, Scout, and the TSC Job Board
- Typical process: application → interview → trial shift → job offer
- Common visa routes: 482 Sponsorship Visa, 417 Working Holiday Visa

Understanding the Australian Job Market

Australia’s hospitality industry is thriving post-pandemic, with restaurants, hotels, and pubs facing a national skills shortage. According to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights (2025), chefs remain on the official Skilled Occupation List, which means employers can sponsor overseas workers when local applicants aren’t available.

The shortage is especially acute in metropolitan and regional tourism hubs - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and coastal destinations like Noosa, Byron Bay, and Margaret River. Pastry chefs, sous chefs, and head chefs are particularly in demand across both city restaurants and regional resorts.

Casual dining and pub venues make up the bulk of employment opportunities, but fine dining continues to grow, driven by local produce, wine tourism, and the rise of chef-led dining experiences.

Where to Find Chef Vacancies

Australia’s main hospitality job platforms are:
- The Staff Canteen Job Board – chef roles across restaurants and hotels nationwide.
- SEEK.com.au/hospitality – largest database of foodservice roles.
- Indeed.com.au – mix of full-time, temporary, and sponsored jobs.
- Scout.com.au – focused on city-based venues and creative hospitality groups.
- Jora, CareerOne, and LinkedIn also feature frequent postings.

Networking remains key in Australia’s tight-knit chef community. Attending industry events such as TSC Networking Lunches, joining chef forums, and connecting with local suppliers can often lead to introductions and informal job offers.

Applying from Overseas vs Local Search

If you’re applying from abroad, highlight your visa eligibility early — many employers are open to sponsorship but need to know your work rights upfront. Those already in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa often have an advantage because they can attend interviews and trial shifts in person.

Employers typically prefer candidates who can start quickly and demonstrate experience in fast-paced or high-standard kitchens. If you’re applying from overseas, include strong references, photos of your dishes, and a short introductory video or cover letter that brings your experience to life.

Once in Australia, local job search becomes easier. Walk-ins and introductions still work well — particularly in regional areas where hiring may be less formal.

Visa Sponsorship and Employer Rules

The two main visa routes for chefs are:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled chefs for up to four years.
Requirements:
- Recognised culinary qualification (Certificate III or equivalent experience)
- Minimum two years of full-time experience
- Job offer from a registered sponsor
Advantages:
- Pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- Spouses and dependants can work or study

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)
Open to applicants aged 18–35 from eligible countries including the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Details:
- Valid for 12 months, extendable up to three years with regional work
- Ideal for chefs wanting to travel and work casually across Australia

Other routes include the Skilled Independent Visa (189) or State-Sponsored Visa (190) for highly qualified chefs with long-term residency goals.

Interview and Trial Shifts Explained

The interview process in Australia tends to be relaxed but hands-on. After an initial phone or video chat, most employers will invite shortlisted candidates for a trial shift — usually 2–4 hours in the kitchen to assess skill, speed, and attitude.

These trials are paid in most states, although some venues still treat them as unpaid assessments. Always confirm expectations beforehand and make sure the trial is covered under local Fair Work guidelines.

Employers value communication, teamwork, and initiative as highly as technical skill. Be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of local produce, food safety standards, and basic kitchen systems such as stock rotation and service prep.

Contracts, Tax, and Superannuation

Once hired, you’ll receive a written employment contract outlining hours, pay rate, and entitlements. Chefs are usually covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, which sets out minimum wage and overtime rules.

- Standard chef pay: AUD $65,000–$85,000 (or $32–$40/hour casual rate)
- Sous chef/head chef roles: AUD $80,000–$100,000+
- Pastry/baker roles: AUD $60,000–$75,000

You’ll also need a Tax File Number (TFN) and a superannuation fund — Australia’s version of a pension — where your employer contributes at least 11% of your salary. Keep copies of all payslips, as these are often required for visa renewals.

For award rates and workplace conditions, visit fairwork.gov.au.

Job Boards and Recruiters to Know

If you prefer professional assistance, consider agencies specialising in hospitality placements:
- Hastings People – premium hospitality recruitment across major cities.
- Pinnacle People – temp and permanent roles nationwide.
- Frontline Hospitality – one of Australia’s largest industry recruiters.
- Hospoworld – connects chefs, managers, and hotel professionals.
- TSC Job Board – listings from verified employers and sponsors.

Some agencies work directly with employers on visa sponsorship, while others focus on temporary placements for working holidaymakers.

When working with recruiters, be clear about your desired location, visa status, and pay expectations.

Final Tips for Success

- Tailor your CV to the role - Australian employers prefer concise, achievement-based resumes (two pages maximum).
- Use Australian spelling and job titles (for example, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef).
- Show flexibility: regional work or relocation often leads to sponsorship offers.
- Research your employer: follow venues on Instagram and reference their style in your application.
- Network early: relationships with suppliers, chefs, and recruiters often open unexpected doors.