This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersA Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
Get qualified to work as a Chief Cook with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
In Australia, a full time Chief Cook generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has experienced strong employment growth over the last five years. There are currently 38,300 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Chief Cook. Chief Cooks may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Chief Cook. You’ll cover a range of topics including shipboard safety and survival at sea, skills in food preparation, food safety, maintaining perishables and stock control.
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If you're looking to embark on an exciting culinary career, our Chief Cook courses in Tweed Heads offer a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills in a vibrant coastal town. This region, known for its stunning beaches and diverse dining scene, provides an ideal backdrop for anyone aspiring to become a professional chef. With dedicated training providers like Barrington College, which delivers the acclaimed Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, you can gain the practical experience and knowledge required to succeed in the culinary industry.
The training providers in Tweed Heads are committed to offering industry-relevant education that prepares students for various job roles as Chief Cooks. Courses are designed to cover essential skills ranging from food preparation to kitchen management, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a fast-paced culinary environment. Students can explore not only the fundamentals of cooking but also aspects related to the broader hospitality sector and its countless opportunities.
Enrolling in Chief Cook courses in Tweed Heads can also open doors to related fields of study, such as Transport and Logistics courses and Maritime programs, which are vital in understanding the supply chains that keep kitchens well-stocked and operational. This interconnectedness ensures that graduates not only become skilled chefs but also gain insights that are beneficial across multiple sectors of the cooking and hospitality industries.