The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.
Cooks
Proudly presented by Student Edge
Occupations in this field typically require a Certificate III qualification including at least two years on-the-job training or a Certificate IV qualification.
Tasks Include:
- examining foodstuffs to ensure quality
- regulating temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment
- preparing and cooking food
- seasoning food during cooking
- portioning food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes
- storing food in temperature controlled facilities
- preparing food to meet special dietary requirements
- may plan menus and estimate food requirements
- may train other kitchen staff and apprentices
Occupation:
- Cook
Cook
Prepares, seasons and cooks food in a dining or catering establishment.
\r\n","ThumbnailUrl":"https://studentedgeapplication.azureedge.net/career-video-images/0ed4bde1-2213-44b9-a220-f62d80d615ab.jpg","FindOutMore":"Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.
\r\nLink - Cooks
","VideoUrl":null,"FriendlyUrl":"cooks","IsFavourited":false,"ListingType":"General","WeeklyWage":"$1,250 to $1,530","PartTime":55,"FullTime":45,"CurrentlyEmployed":32300,"JobProspect":"< 5k","CurrentUnemployment":"High","Tags":["hospitality and tourism","extrovert","introvert","sensing","thinking","perceiving","judging","careers"]}" ng-version="14.1.0">
Career Insights
Full Time Average
Weekly Wage$1,250 to $1,530 Earnings for full-time employees before tax.
The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.Full Time/Part Time
Split45%55% This shows the proportion of workers who work part-time.
The information uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of part-time, which is working less than 35 hours per week.Currently Employed
Workers32,300 The total number of people employed in Australia in November 2025 for this occupation.
It includes both full-time and part-time workers.Future Job Openings
Next Five Years< 5k An estimate of the number of job opportunities likely to be available over the next five years.
It does not provide any guidance about the number of job seekers for this occupation.Current
UnemploymentHigh The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed).
An occupation may have high unemployment but may also be experiencing shortages for particular skills.Powered by Australian Jobs 2026
Career Details
Cooks prepare, season and cook food in dining and catering establishments.
Occupations in this field typically require a Certificate III qualification including at least two years on-the-job training or a Certificate IV qualification.
Tasks Include:
- examining foodstuffs to ensure quality
- regulating temperatures of ovens, grills and other cooking equipment
- preparing and cooking food
- seasoning food during cooking
- portioning food, placing it on plates, and adding gravies, sauces and garnishes
- storing food in temperature controlled facilities
- preparing food to meet special dietary requirements
- may plan menus and estimate food requirements
- may train other kitchen staff and apprentices
Occupation:
- Cook
Cook
Prepares, seasons and cooks food in a dining or catering establishment.
Find out more
Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.
Link - Cooks



