Cooks

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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
    Split

    45%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
    Workers

    32,300
    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
    Unemployment

    High
    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

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Link - Cooks

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