Chef
Prepare ingredients and dishes in a kitchen.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Chef?
- How to become a Chef
- Latest Chef jobs
- Top skills and experience for Chefs
- Is Chef the right role for you?
- Chef role reviews
What's it like to be a Chef?
A Chef is a professional cook, trained in many aspects of food preparation. They generally work in commercial kitchens; these can take on a wide variety of forms, from fine dining restaurants, to cafés, to food trucks. Some Chefs focus on a specific cuisine, while others choose to specialise in certain aspects of cooking, like baking or pastry making.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Maintaining an inventory of food and ordering required ingredients.
- Cleaning, cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cooking and finishing dishes.
- Communicating with other kitchen staff.
- Ensuring the work environment is clean and safe.
How to become a Chef
You don’t need a qualification to become a Chef, but it’s common for Chefs to complete an apprenticeship and gain a vocational qualification such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821).
- Complete an apprenticeship as part of a VET course that matches your cooking interests. This could be a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821), Certificate III in Patisserie (SIT31021) or Certificate III in Bread Baking (FBP30421).
- After becoming a qualified Chef, advance your cooking skills with further kitchen experience.
- Consider further study to progress your career or specialise in a style of cooking. For example, a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT40516) can prepare you for leadership roles in a kitchen.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Chefs.Latest Chef jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Chef jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Chef employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Cooking
Food Safety
Food Preparation
Hygienic
Commercial Cookery
Kitchen Operations
Catering Services
Food Provenance
Food Quality
HACCP
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Chef reviews
Jan 2025
Being a chef is a challenging but rewarding journey that blends creativity, enthusiasm, and hard work in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting with the potential for personal and professional success.
Reviewer's QualificationDiploma of Hospitality Management
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationHospitality & Tourism
The good thingsBeing a chef has various advantages, including: Creativity is the freedom to experiment with different ingredients and flavours. Passion-Driven Career - Turn your love of cooking into a vocation. Job ...
The challengesLong working hours are frequently required, including late nights, weekends, and holidays. Physically demanding tasks include standing for lengthy periods of time in a hot kitchen. High Stress - A fas...
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Mar 2025
Be happy and enjoy your work, and feel satisfied with the work you are passionate about
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate III in Commercial Cookery
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationHospitality & Tourism
The good thingsBeing a chef is an ideal career. First of all, you have to have a passion for cooking. Especially when the customers eat up all the food, it is a kind of affirmation for yourself. In addition, you mu...
The challengesMany times, work takes place on weekends or public holidays, which can affect personal family gatherings.
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
