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Executive Chef

An Executive Chef manages kitchen operations, leads staff, plans menus, and ensures high-quality food preparation, often working varied shifts.

How do I become a executive chef

Get qualified to work as a executive chef with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Executive Chef generally earns $2,210 per week ($114,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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The number of people working in this industry is expected to grow strongly in coming years. There are currently 114,000 people employed in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as an Executive Chef. Executive Chefs may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re interested in a career as an Executive Chef, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. You’ll learn to prepare and cook a range of contemporary dishes including meat and poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables, cakes and breads, desserts, soups and sauces. You may be able to specialise in an area of interest such as Asian cooking or contemporary cooking and catering.

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Further reading

What are the Top 3 Skills of an Executive Assistant?

21st December 2022

Career spotlight: Hospitality professionals

17th September 2019

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management?

5th July 2021

Executive Chef careers

An Executive Chef oversees operations in a commercial kitchen. You might supervise other kitchen staff and ensure food is prepared safely and to a high standard. Executive Chefs plan menus and order ingredients and other supplies. You’ll prepare a range of meals and may specialise in a particular type of cuisine.

Executive Chefs should have strong leadership skills and excellent technical abilities. It’s important that you are organised and can handle several tasks at one time. Executive Chefs should be passionate about their work and enjoy working in a busy kitchen. You might have to work a range of shifts such as nights and weekends in this role.