Chef vs Plumber salary
In Australia, a chef earns about 6% more than a plumber — $115,199 vs $108,953 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Chef | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $73,700 | $74,602 |
| 25th | $94,449 | $91,812 |
| Median | $115,199 | $108,953 |
| 75th | $140,529 | $129,911 |
| Senior (90th) | $165,859 | $150,869 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a chef or plumber earn more in Australia?
- A chef earns more, at about $166,000 per year vs $157,000 for a plumber — roughly 6% ($9,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A chef typically earns $106,200–$239,000, while a plumber earns $107,500–$217,400 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a chef averages about $13,800 and a plumber about $13,100.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a chef earns about $106,200 while a plumber earns about $107,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a chef earns about $239,000 while a plumber earns about $217,400 per year.
- Are chef and plumber similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.