New Zealand Chef Salaries

Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.

Salary and wage information for New Zealand professions is compiled regularly by analysis of New Zealand jobs advertised in major publications. Job ads in New Zealand often do not mention remuneration. Salaries are generally negotiable, within limits.

Job titles in this occupation vary and some examples are chef, head chef, sous chef, commis chef and chefs de partie.

There is a shortage of chefs in New Zealand. Chefs (chefs de partie or higher) are therefore on New Zealand’s long-term skills shortage list.

Chefs de partie typically earn between $19 and $24 per hour and sous chefs usually earn $20-$26 per hour. Some positions for commis chefs may be offered close to or at the minimum wage rate which is $18.90 per hour.

Head chefs can typically earn from $25 – $49 per hour depending on their area of expertise, location and experience.

For comparison, the average hourly wage in New Zealand for the quarter ending 31 March 2020 was $33.20 according to Statistics New Zealand. This would give an annual average salary of around $65,600, working standard full-time hours (38 hours).

Chef Salaries / Wages in 2020

PositionSalary / Wage $Location
Indian Chef (curry & tandoori) 40,000 – 45,000Manawatu, Palmerston North
Head Chef25 – 30 per hourTaranaki
Chef/ Barista / part time20 – 25 per hourAuckland
Garde Manger Chef52,000+Auckland
Experienced Chef / Asian food50,000 – 60,000Auckland
Experienced Chef20 – 25 per hourHamilton, Waikato
Demi Chef / Commis Chef37,000 – 42,000Wellington
Experienced Chef50,000 – 65,000Wellington
Chinese Chef 45,000 – 55,000Christchurch
Chef De Partie20 – 25 per hourChristchurch
Sous Chef20 – 25 per hourWest Coast

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