How to calculate your sous chef salary take-home pay in Australia

What your sous chef salary really means in your bank account

If you’re a sous chef in Australia, the figure on your employment contract isn’t what lands in your bank account. Between income tax, the Medicare levy, and superannuation, your take-home pay can be significantly less. This guide walks you through how to estimate your after-tax pay using current award rates and tax rules.

Award rates for sous chefs

Sous chefs are typically covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 Fair Work Ombudsman. While the award doesn’t list “sous chef” as a separate classification, the role often falls under Cook (tradesperson) Grade 4 (Level 5) or Grade 5 (Level 6). As of July 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

• Level 5 Cook (tradesperson) Grade 4: $31.30 per hour ($1,189.40 per week)
• Level 6 Cook (tradesperson) Grade 5: $32.13 per hour ($1,221.10 per week)

These are minimums. Many sous chefs are paid above award, especially in fine-dining or large venues. If your employer has an enterprise agreement, your rate may be higher. Always check your classification and pay slip.

For comparison, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week Minimum wage.

From gross to net: the tax calculation

Once you know your annual salary, you can estimate your take-home pay. Let’s use a typical sous chef earning $65,000 per year (roughly $32.90 per hour for a 38-hour week).

Step 1: Income tax

Using the 2026–27 tax rates:

• First $18,200: $0 tax
• Next $26,800 (up to $45,000): taxed at 15c per dollar = $4,020
• Remaining $20,000 (up to $65,000): taxed at 30c per dollar = $6,000
• Gross tax before offsets: $10,020

Step 2: Low Income Tax Offset (LITO)

Your taxable income of $65,000 is above $45,000, so LITO is reduced. The offset is $325 minus 1.5c per dollar over $45,000. That’s $325 – ($20,000 × 0.015) = $325 – $300 = $25. So your tax after LITO is $10,020 – $25 = $9,995.

Step 3: Medicare levy

Since your income exceeds $35,013, you pay the full 2% Medicare levy: $65,000 × 0.02 = $1,300.

Step 4: Total deductions and take-home

Total tax and Medicare: $9,995 + $1,300 = $11,295. Your annual take-home pay: $65,000 – $11,295 = $53,705. That’s about $2,065 per fortnight or $1,033 per week.

Remember, this excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge (if you don’t have private hospital cover and earn over $93,000), and any salary packaging arrangements Take-home pay.

Superannuation: not part of your take-home

From 1 July 2026, your employer must pay 12% super on your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your contract says “$65,000 plus super”, that $65,000 is your gross salary before super. The super contribution (about $7,800) goes into your fund, not your bank account. If the ad says “$65,000 including super”, then your salary is lower – about $58,036 before the super component Super.

How penalty rates affect your sous chef salary

Sous chefs often work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Under the award, you’re entitled to penalty rates:

• Evening (7pm–midnight Monday to Friday): $2.95 per hour extra
• Night work (midnight–7am): $4.42 per hour extra
• Saturday: time-and-a-quarter (e.g., $39.13/hr for Level 5)
• Sunday and public holidays: higher rates apply

These can boost your gross pay significantly, but they also push you into higher tax brackets. The extra tax withheld may mean a smaller refund at year-end – or a bill if you don’t adjust your withholding.

Using the ATO’s tools

The Australian Taxation Office provides a Tax Withheld Calculator and a Take-home Pay Calculator on its website. You can enter your salary, pay frequency, and any extra withholding to see exactly what will be deducted. For a quick estimate, you can also use our Clearance tool which applies the same rates.

Key takeaways

• Your sous chef salary is likely covered by the Hospitality Award – check your classification.
• Minimum rates for cook grades 4 and 5 are $31.30–$32.13 per hour, but actual pay varies.
• Tax is progressive: the more you earn, the higher the marginal rate.
• Medicare levy adds 2% once you earn over $35,013.
• Super is extra – don’t count it as take-home.
• Penalty rates can increase your gross but also your tax.

Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation. The figures here are estimates based on 2026–27 rates and should not be treated as a tax assessment Tax and Medicare.