Australia’s food and beverages industry consistently seeks skilled and unskilled workers, offering many job opportunities across cities and regional areas.
The sector provides flexible work arrangements, including part-time, full-time, casual, and seasonal roles, ideal for students, backpackers, and skilled migrants.
Employees often receive fair wages with penalty rates for weekends, nights, and holidays, along with superannuation and other entitlements.
Working in hospitality or food services can lead to sponsorship or permanent residency through various skilled migration programs.
Jobs in this sector offer hands-on experience, customer service skills, and opportunities to progress into supervisory or managerial roles.
The industry is culturally diverse, fostering a welcoming environment for international workers and helping build a global network.
Working in cafes, restaurants, wineries, or bars offers a unique way to experience Australian lifestyle and culture firsthand.
Australia’s food scene is a fusion of global cuisines. From Asian street food to modern Australian fine dining, international candidates can work in dynamic kitchens and learn diverse culinary techniques.
The café culture is booming in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Baristas, bakers, and pastry chefs are in demand, offering creative roles in stylish, fast-paced environments.
Australia leads in sustainable food practices. Working on farms, in organic eateries, or boutique wineries gives international candidates a chance to be part of eco-conscious food production.
The events industry offers exciting jobs in catering, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants. These roles are perfect for those who love fast-paced, creative service environments.
Australia is known for its high-quality coffee, craft beer, and boutique wine industries. Baristas, bartenders, and mixologists can find rewarding careers in both urban and regional locations.
International workers bring fresh ideas and traditions to Australian kitchens. Many employers welcome unique cultural perspectives, making it easier to share and innovate with food.
The industry values hard work and passion over just qualifications. With training and dedication, international candidates can rise quickly—from entry-level to management.
Includes Commis Chefs, Sous Chefs, Head Chefs, and Line Cooks. These roles are in high demand across restaurants, hotels, pubs, and resorts.
Entry-level positions assisting with food prep, cleaning, and dishwashing. No formal qualifications needed—great for students and working holiday visa holders.
Front-of-house roles involving customer service, taking orders, and serving food. Ideal for people with good communication skills and a friendly attitude.
Coffee culture is huge in Australia. Skilled baristas are highly sought after, especially in cafes and specialty coffee shops in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Work in pubs, bars, and clubs mixing drinks, managing stock, and providing customer service. RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification is often required.
Oversee daily operations, staff, and customer satisfaction. Often suitable for experienced workers looking to step into leadership roles.
General roles in hotels, resorts, and events. Responsibilities may include food service, bar work, and setting up dining areas.
Temporary or part-time roles in large-scale events, weddings, and corporate functions. Includes waitstaff, kitchen crew, and supervisors.
Work in artisan bakeries, patisseries, and cafes. These roles require creativity and baking skills, with early morning or overnight shifts common.
Opportunities in wine regions for cellar door sales, production assistants, and tasting room staff. Great for those interested in Australia’s craft beverage industry.
Job Title |
Average Annual Salary (AUD) |
USD Equivalent |
INR Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
Head Chef |
85,000 |
56,950 |
₹4,760,000 |
Sous Chef |
70,000 |
46,900 |
₹3,920,000 |
Chef de Partie |
60,000 |
40,200 |
₹3,360,000 |
Commis Chef |
50,000 |
33,500 |
₹2,800,000 |
Cook |
55,000 |
36,850 |
₹3,080,000 |
Kitchen Hand |
45,000 |
30,150 |
₹2,520,000 |
Barista |
55,000 |
36,850 |
₹3,080,000 |
Bartender |
52,000 |
34,840 |
₹2,912,000 |
Waitstaff |
50,000 |
33,500 |
₹2,800,000 |
Food & Beverage Attendant |
48,000 |
32,160 |
₹2,688,000 |
Restaurant Manager |
75,000 |
50,250 |
₹4,200,000 |
Café Manager |
70,000 |
46,900 |
₹3,920,000 |
Catering Manager |
72,000 |
48,240 |
₹4,032,000 |
Baker |
60,000 |
40,200 |
₹3,360,000 |
Pastry Chef |
62,000 |
41,540 |
₹3,472,000 |
Bar Manager |
65,000 |
43,550 |
₹3,640,000 |
Sommelier |
70,000 |
46,900 |
₹3,920,000 |
Brewery Worker |
58,000 |
38,860 |
₹3,248,000 |
Winery Staff (Cellar Door) |
52,000 |
34,840 |
₹2,912,000 |
Event Catering Staff |
50,000 |
33,500 |
₹2,800,000 |
Job Type |
Visa Types Eligible |
Qualifications/Experience |
Other Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Chef / Cook |
Subclass 482 (TSS), 186, 189, 190, Working Holiday (417/462) |
Formal culinary training preferred, 2+ years exp. |
Skills assessment (TRA), IELTS/PTE (if required) |
Kitchen Hand |
Student Visa (500), Working Holiday (417/462), Temporary visas |
No formal qualification needed |
Basic English, ability to work flexible hours |
Barista |
Student Visa, WHV, 482, 186 |
Barista training/course (preferred), café experience |
Good English, knowledge of coffee making |
Waitstaff |
Student Visa, WHV, 482, 186 |
No formal qualification required |
Strong customer service skills, good English |
Bartender |
WHV, Student Visa, 482 |
Experience preferred |
RSA Certificate mandatory |
Restaurant Manager |
482, 186, 190, 189 |
Diploma in Hospitality/Management + experience |
IELTS/PTE, Skills Assessment |
Café Manager |
482, 186, 190 |
Diploma or relevant experience |
Skills assessment, good communication skills |
Catering Staff |
Student Visa, WHV, Event Visas |
No formal qualification needed |
Teamwork and physical stamina |
Pastry Chef / Baker |
482, 186, WHV |
Certificate III/IV in Patisserie/Baking |
Work experience, Skills Assessment (TRA) |
Food & Beverage Attendant |
Student Visa, WHV, 482 |
No formal education required |
Fluent English, grooming, RSA for alcohol service |
Sommelier / Wine Staff |
482, 186, WHV |
Wine knowledge/certification |
Experience in wine service, good communication |
Brewery Worker |
WHV, 482, 186 |
Brewing knowledge preferred |
Forklift or safety certifications (if applicable) |
Event Staff / Caterers |
Student Visa, WHV |
No qualification required |
Casual availability, RSA if alcohol served |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|
Head Chef |
Plan menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality and hygiene, control inventory and costs. |
Sous Chef |
Assist head chef, supervise kitchen operations, manage prep and cooking stations, ensure food safety. |
Chef de Partie |
Oversee a specific section (e.g., grill, pastry), ensure timely prep and service, maintain cleanliness. |
Commis Chef |
Support senior chefs, basic food prep, clean stations, follow instructions and hygiene rules. |
Cook |
Prepare meals, follow recipes, maintain food standards, work in cafes, pubs, or small restaurants. |
Kitchen Hand |
Wash dishes, clean work areas, assist with basic prep, handle waste disposal. |
Waitstaff / Server |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, provide customer service, process payments. |
Food & Beverage Attendant |
Set up dining areas, serve food/beverages, clear tables, assist in buffets or room service. |
Barista |
Prepare and serve espresso-based drinks, maintain equipment, handle POS, engage with customers. |
Bartender |
Mix and serve drinks, manage stock, ensure responsible alcohol service, maintain cleanliness. |
Restaurant Manager |
Oversee daily operations, manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, handle budgeting and compliance. |
Café Manager |
Manage café staff and operations, order supplies, ensure quality service and food. |
Catering Manager |
Plan and oversee event food service, manage catering team, liaise with clients, ensure food safety. |
Pastry Chef |
Prepare desserts and pastries, develop new items, maintain inventory and cleanliness. |
Baker |
Bake bread, cakes, pastries; manage ovens and mixing equipment; ensure early prep. |
Sommelier |
Recommend wine pairings, manage wine list and cellar, train staff, serve wine professionally. |
Bar Manager |
Oversee bar operations, order supplies, manage staff and rosters, ensure RSA compliance. |
Winery Staff (Cellar Door) |
Host tastings, explain wines to customers, sell products, assist in events and tours. |
Brewery Worker |
Assist in brewing process, monitor equipment, clean tanks, package products. |
Event Catering Staff |
Set up food stations, serve guests, maintain hygiene, pack up after events. |
Job Profile |
Visa Types |
Qualifications |
Experience |
Certifications / Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Head Chef |
482, 186, 190, 189 |
Diploma in Commercial Cookery or above |
3–5 years |
TRA Skills Assessment |
Sous Chef |
482, 186, 190, WHV |
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery |
3+ years |
TRA Skills Assessment |
Chef de Partie |
482, 186, WHV |
Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery |
2–3 years |
TRA Assessment (for skilled visa) |
Commis Chef |
Student Visa, WHV, 482 |
Certificate III (preferred) |
Entry-level / 1 year |
None |
Cook |
WHV, Student Visa, 482, 186 |
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery |
1–2 years |
TRA Skills Assessment |
Kitchen Hand |
Student Visa, WHV |
No formal qualification |
Not mandatory |
None |
Waitstaff / Server |
Student Visa, WHV, 482 |
No formal qualification |
Customer service preferred |
RSA (if serving alcohol) |
Food & Beverage Attendant |
Student Visa, WHV, 482 |
No qualification needed |
Preferred |
RSA (if alcohol served) |
Barista |
Student Visa, WHV, 482 |
Barista course (preferred) |
6–12 months |
None (RSA if serving alcohol) |
Bartender |
WHV, Student Visa, 482 |
Hospitality knowledge/short course helpful |
1–2 years preferred |
RSA Certificate – Mandatory |
Restaurant Manager |
482, 186, 190, 189 |
Diploma in Hospitality or Business |
2–4 years |
TRA Skills Assessment, IELTS |
Café Manager |
482, 186, 190 |
Diploma in Hospitality |
2–3 years |
TRA Assessment |
Catering Manager |
482, 186, 190 |
Diploma in Event or Hospitality Management |
2+ years |
IELTS/PTE, Skills Assessment (TRA) |
Pastry Chef |
482, 186, WHV |
Certificate III/IV in Patisserie |
2–3 years |
TRA Skills Assessment |
Baker |
482, 186, WHV |
Certificate III in Baking |
2+ years |
TRA Skills Assessment |
Sommelier |
482, 186, WHV |
Wine qualification (WSET preferred) |
2+ years |
RSA Certificate |
Bar Manager |
482, 186, WHV |
Diploma in Hospitality |
2+ years |
RSA, Management Experience |
Winery Staff (Cellar Door) |
WHV, Student Visa, 482 |
No formal qualification |
Wine knowledge preferred |
RSA if serving/selling wine |
Brewery Worker |
WHV, 482, 186 |
Technical training preferred |
1–2 years (on-job) |
Forklift license (sometimes), RSA |
Event Catering Staff |
Student Visa, WHV |
No formal education |
Entry-level |
RSA (for alcohol), Good English |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
Experience Level |
---|---|---|
Head Chef |
4–5 years in commercial kitchens |
Advanced |
Sous Chef |
3–4 years as chef or assistant to head chef |
Advanced |
Chef de Partie |
2–3 years in a specific kitchen section |
Intermediate |
Commis Chef |
6 months – 1 year (entry-level acceptable) |
Beginner |
Cook |
1–2 years in restaurants, cafes, or takeaways |
Intermediate |
Kitchen Hand |
No experience required (training provided) |
Entry-Level |
Waitstaff / Server |
6 months – 1 year in hospitality or customer service |
Beginner to Intermediate |
Food & Beverage Attendant |
6 months preferred; training often provided |
Entry-Level to Intermediate |
Barista |
6 months – 1 year in a café or barista-trained role |
Intermediate |
Bartender |
1–2 years in a bar or licensed venue |
Intermediate |
Restaurant Manager |
2–4 years in supervisory or management positions |
Advanced |
Café Manager |
2–3 years in café or hospitality management |
Advanced |
Catering Manager |
2–4 years in catering/event management |
Advanced |
Pastry Chef |
2–3 years in pastry, bakery, or patisserie |
Intermediate to Advanced |
Baker |
2+ years in commercial or artisan bakery |
Intermediate |
Sommelier |
2+ years in wine service, restaurant, or retail |
Intermediate |
Bar Manager |
2–3 years in bar operations and supervision |
Advanced |
Winery Staff (Cellar Door) |
6 months – 1 year in customer-facing roles |
Beginner to Intermediate |
Brewery Worker |
1–2 years in brewery or manufacturing (preferred) |
Intermediate |
Event Catering Staff |
No formal experience required; training provided |
Entry-Level |
Company / Brand |
Industry Segment |
Visa Types Accepted |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Accor Hotels |
Hotels & Resorts (F&B & Catering) |
482, 186, Working Holiday, Student |
Offers roles from kitchen to F&B management; has global mobility programs |
Merivale Group |
Hospitality / Restaurants |
Student, WHV, 482 |
Major employer in Sydney’s restaurant scene |
Compass Group |
Contract Catering & Services |
482, WHV, Student |
Hires for mining camps, hospitals, universities, and events |
Sodexo Australia |
Catering & Facilities Management |
482, WHV |
Recruits chefs, kitchen hands, and hospitality staff for remote sites |
Hilton Hotels |
Hotels |
482, 186, WHV, Student |
International hotel chain with graduate and internship pathways |
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) |
Hotels |
482, 186, Student |
Hires chefs, bartenders, managers, and F&B attendants |
Crown Resorts |
Hospitality & Casinos |
482, Student, WHV |
Offers many food and bar roles; strong corporate training |
Delaware North |
Events & Sports Catering |
WHV, Student, Casual |
Event-based hiring for stadiums and entertainment venues |
Spotless (Downer Group) |
Facilities / Catering |
WHV, 482, Student |
Operates food services in hospitals, schools, and corporate sites |
The Star Entertainment Group |
Resorts, Bars & Dining |
482, 186, WHV, Student |
Multiple F&B outlets across Brisbane, Sydney, and Gold Coast |
ALH Group (Australian Leisure & Hospitality) |
Pubs & Bars |
WHV, Student |
Operates over 300 pubs and bistros across Australia |
Guzman y Gomez |
Fast Casual Dining |
WHV, Student, 482 |
Mexican food chain; hires cooks, kitchen hands, managers |
Nando’s Australia |
Fast Food / Casual Dining |
WHV, Student |
Offers part-time roles with career progression opportunities |
McDonald’s Australia |
Fast Food |
Student, WHV |
One of the largest employers of young and international workers |
Domino’s Pizza |
Fast Food / Delivery |
Student, WHV |
Entry-level kitchen and delivery roles available |
The Coffee Club |
Café Chain |
WHV, Student |
Hires baristas, waitstaff, and café supervisors |
Grill’d Healthy Burgers |
Fast Casual |
WHV, Student |
Offers flexible shifts and entry-level hospitality roles |
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill |
Fast Casual |
WHV, Student |
Entry-level F&B roles with in-store training |
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) |
Corporate Catering Services |
482, WHV, Student |
Hires hospitality staff for corporate offices and facilities |
Event Hospitality & Entertainment |
Hotels, Cinemas, Dining |
WHV, Student, 482 |
Brands include Rydges Hotels, QT Hotels, and Event Cinemas |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (AUD/Year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Head Chef |
$85,000 |
Diploma in Commercial Cookery, 4–5 yrs experience, TRA assessment |
Accor, Crown Resorts, Hilton |
Lead kitchen, plan menus, manage team, control costs and quality |
Sous Chef |
$70,000 |
Certificate IV, 3+ yrs experience, support head chef |
Merivale, IHG, Sodexo |
Supervise staff, manage prep, ensure standards and hygiene |
Chef de Partie |
$60,000 |
Certificate III/IV, 2–3 yrs in section leadership |
Star Entertainment, Compass Group |
Run a section (e.g., grill, pastry), assist with training and plating |
Commis Chef |
$50,000 |
Basic training or Certificate III, entry-level |
Accor, Grill’d, Nando’s |
Assist senior chefs, prep ingredients, maintain cleanliness |
Cook |
$55,000 |
Certificate III in Cookery, 1–2 yrs experience |
Sodexo, Domino’s, McDonald’s |
Prepare food, follow recipes, assist with service |
Kitchen Hand |
$45,000 |
No qualification needed, on-job training |
Compass Group, Spotless, Guzman y Gomez |
Clean dishes, assist prep, maintain hygiene |
Waitstaff / Server |
$50,000 |
Basic English, customer service skills, RSA (if alcohol served) |
Merivale, Nando’s, The Coffee Club |
Take orders, serve food, ensure guest satisfaction |
Food & Bev. Attendant |
$48,000 |
No formal education required, RSA needed |
Accor, Event Hospitality, ALH Group |
Set up service, serve meals, clear tables, assist guests |
Barista |
$55,000 |
Barista training, 6–12 months experience |
The Coffee Club, Starbucks, Grill’d |
Prepare espresso drinks, operate machines, engage with customers |
Bartender |
$52,000 |
1–2 yrs bar experience, RSA Certificate mandatory |
ALH Group, Star Casino, Crown Resorts |
Mix drinks, manage bar area, follow RSA laws |
Restaurant Manager |
$75,000 |
Diploma in Hospitality, 2–4 yrs experience, TRA assessment |
Hilton, IHG, Guzman y Gomez |
Oversee operations, manage staff, ensure profitability |
Café Manager |
$70,000 |
Diploma or equivalent experience, 2–3 yrs |
The Coffee Club, Mad Mex |
Manage café, staff, and inventory; uphold service standards |
Catering Manager |
$72,000 |
Diploma in Hospitality/Event Mgmt, 2+ yrs experience |
Compass Group, Delaware North |
Plan catering for events, manage staff, meet client expectations |
Pastry Chef |
$62,000 |
Cert III/IV in Patisserie, 2–3 yrs experience, TRA for skilled visa |
Accor, Crown, Boutique Bakeries |
Make desserts/pastries, innovate recipes, maintain quality |
Baker |
$60,000 |
Cert III in Baking, 2+ yrs experience, TRA for skilled migration |
Bakers Delight, Artisanal Bakeries |
Bake bread/pastries, operate ovens, follow hygiene standards |
Sommelier |
$70,000 |
WSET/wine qualification, 2+ yrs wine service experience |
Fine Dining Restaurants, Star Entertainment |
Recommend wine, manage wine list, serve and educate customers |
Bar Manager |
$65,000 |
RSA, bar operations knowledge, 2–3 yrs management experience |
ALH Group, Crown Resorts, Pubs/Clubs |
Oversee bar, manage stock/staff, ensure RSA compliance |
Winery Staff (Cellar Door) |
$52,000 |
Wine knowledge, customer service experience, RSA if serving |
Boutique Wineries (Yarra, Barossa) |
Host tastings, explain wine, handle sales |
Brewery Worker |
$58,000 |
Basic brewing knowledge, 1–2 yrs in production (preferred) |
Craft Breweries, Carlton & United |
Assist brewing, cleaning, packaging, record keeping |
Event Catering Staff |
$50,000 |
No formal qualification; RSA required if alcohol served |
Delaware North, Spotless, Compass Group |
Set up food service at events, serve guests, clean up post-event |
Visa Type |
Best For |
Work Rights |
Duration |
Key Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Subclass 482 (TSS Visa) |
Skilled roles (Chef, Manager, Baker) |
Full-time (sponsored by employer) |
Up to 4 years (renewable) |
Employer sponsorship, skills assessment (TRA), relevant qualifications & experience |
Subclass 186 (ENS Visa) |
Permanent residency via employer sponsorship |
Permanent full-time work |
Permanent |
Sponsored by employer, 3+ yrs experience, skills assessment, English proficiency |
Subclass 494 (Regional Skilled) |
Skilled workers in regional areas |
Full-time in designated regional areas |
5 years (PR pathway) |
Employer sponsorship, regional job offer, skills assessment |
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) |
Highly skilled chefs, bakers, managers |
Full work rights anywhere in Australia |
Permanent |
Based on points (age, skills, English), no sponsorship needed |
Subclass 190 (State Nomination) |
Skilled workers nominated by a state |
Full work rights in nominating state |
Permanent |
State nomination, occupation in demand list, points-based |
Subclass 407 (Training Visa) |
Internships, traineeships in hospitality |
Limited to training-related work only |
Up to 2 years |
Sponsor needed, structured training plan required |
Subclass 500 (Student Visa) |
Students in hospitality or culinary courses |
Part-time (48 hrs/fortnight), full-time in breaks |
Length of course + holiday |
Enrolled in CRICOS course, financial and English proof |
Subclass 485 (Graduate Visa) |
Recent graduates in hospitality courses |
Full-time work rights |
2–4 years (stream-dependent) |
Australian qualification, recent graduate from eligible course |
Subclass 417 / 462 (Working Holiday Visas) |
Backpackers, young travelers (18–35) |
Work up to 6 months per employer (casual/flexible) |
12 months (extendable) |
Country eligibility, age limits, funds and insurance |
Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) |
Event staff or short-term hospitality |
Short-term full-time or part-time |
Varies (up to 2 years) |
Sponsor required for event or activity; used for festivals, expos, etc. |