High-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Australia For Indians 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Sep 24,2025

High-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Australia Guide- TerraTern

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Hospitality jobs in Australia sector are experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, creating thousands of job opportunities across restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars. The industry offers competitive wages starting from $24.95/hour with up to 25% casual loading, multiple visa pathways for international workers through Working Holiday and Skills in Demand visas, and high-demand positions, including chefs, waiters, baristas, and hotel managers.

Career progression opportunities in hospitality jobs in Australia range from entry-level to management roles, with premium weekend rates reaching up to $42.97/hour for experienced staff. With the sector valued at AUD 102.05 billion and projected to reach AUD 148.18 billion by 2034, now represents the optimal time for both temporary and permanent job seekers to enter Australia's thriving hospitality market.

 

What Are the Highest-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Australia Right Now? 2025 Update

What is the Australia Tourist Visa Validity for Indians- TerraTern

Hospitality jobs in Australia have outstanding earning capacity in the field of different specializations, with the best jobs attracting wages that are way over the minimum wage rates. Hotel operations managers are the best-paying hospitality jobs in Australia, as they earn an average of 70,000-95,000 a year, plus performance bonuses. Directors of food and beverage in luxury resorts and hotels are paid between 80,000 110 000 as a representation of the high quality of the Australian hospitality sector.

Which Front of House Positions Offer the Best Pay?

Front of house roles in hospitality jobs in Australia provide excellent earning opportunities through base wages plus tips and penalty rates. 

  • Restaurant Managers: The base salary is between 28.50 and 35.00 an hour, plus performance bonuses and profit sharing.

  • Hotel Concierge: $25.00 -30.00/hour plus commission on tour and restaurant referrals.

  • Sommelier Jobs: $30.00 to $45.00 per hour in upscale restaurants, particularly in wine areas.

  • Bar Supervisors: Bar supervisors are paid between 26.00 and 32.00 hourly rates with a weekend penalty loading of up to 100%.

  • Guest Services Agents: $25.00 -28.00 per hour with chances of guest satisfaction bonuses.

  • Maître d' Positions: $32.00-38.00 an hour in fine restaurants.

  • Event Coordinators: $30.00 to $35.00/per hour and event completion bonuses.

Which Front of House Positions Offer the Best Pay?

With bilingual candidates earning premium rates due to Australia's diverse tourist demographics and international business traveler requirements.

Position

Base Hourly Rate

Weekend Premium

Holiday Rate

Annual Potential

Tips/Commission

Restaurant Manager

$28.50 - $35.00

$42.75 - $52.50

$57.00 - $70.00

$65,000 - $85,000

Performance bonuses

Sommelier

$30.00 - $45.00

$45.00 - $67.50

$60.00 - $90.00

$70,000 - $95,000

Wine sales commission

Hotel Concierge

$25.00 - $30.00

$37.50 - $45.00

$50.00 - $60.0

$55,000 - $70,000

Tour referral fees

Bar Supervisor

$26.00 - $32.00

$39.00 - $48.00

$52.00 - $64.00

$58,000 - $75,000

Customer tips

What Are the Top-Earning Back of House Roles?

Back of house positions in hospitality jobs in Australia offer structured career progression with clearly defined salary advancement paths

  • Executive Chefs: $85000-120000 a year, plus a share of profits in the luxury restaurants.

  • Head Chefs: $70,000 to $100,000 a year, and menu-building duties.

  • Sous Chefs: $55000-75000 a year, based on the size and location of the establishment.

  • Pastry Chefs: $50,000-70,000 per year plus the chance to work in private catering.

  • Kitchen Managers: $60,000- 80,000 plus performance bonuses per annum.

  • Food and Beverage Directors: $80000-110000 in resorts and hotels.

  • Specialty Chefs (Asian, European): Premium prices $35.00-45.00/hr.

Also Read: Australia PR Invitation Rounds: Trusted Expert Analysis

 

How Can International Workers Get Visa Sponsorship for Hospitality and Tourism Jobs in Australia?

Hospitality and tourism jobs in Australia provide multiple visa pathways for international workers, with the Working Holiday Visa (subclasses 417/462) offering the most accessible entry point for eligible nationalities. This visa allows 12 months of work with the same employer, extendable to 24 months through regional work completion.

The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) enables hospitality and tourism jobs in Australia employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years. Chef positions (ANZSCO 351311), hotel managers (ANZSCO 141311), and restaurant managers (ANZSCO 141111) qualify for this pathway with demonstrated experience and English proficiency.

What Documentation Do You Need for Hospitality Visa Applications?

Visa applications for hospitality and tourism jobs in Australia require comprehensive documentation, including skills assessments, English language test results (IELTS 5.5+ for most positions), health examinations, and character certificates from all countries of residence.

  • Financial Requirements: AUD $5,000 minimum for Working Holiday, market-rate salary evidence for Skills in Demand

  • English Language Tests: IELTS 5.5+ for most positions, higher requirements for customer service roles

  • Health Examinations: Chest X-ray and medical examination from panel doctors

  • Character Certificates: Police clearances from all countries of residence for 12+ months

  • Skills Assessments: Trade Recognition Australia for chefs, VETASSESS for managers

  • Educational Qualifications: Certified translations of diplomas and training certificates

  • Work Experience Evidence: Employment letters, payslips, and reference contacts

Which Hospitality Occupations Qualify for Skilled Migration?

Skilled occupation lists for hospitality jobs in Australia include chef de partie, hotel or motel manager, restaurant or cafe manager, and food and beverage attendant positions meeting specific experience and qualification requirements.

  • Chef de Partie (ANZSCO 351311): 2+ years experience with formal culinary qualifications

  • Hotel/Motel Manager (ANZSCO 141311): Diploma-level qualifications with management experience

  • Restaurant/Cafe Manager (ANZSCO 141111): Business operations experience with P&L responsibility

  • Food and Beverage Attendant (ANZSCO 431511): Customer service experience in licensed premises

  • Sommelier (ANZSCO 431912): Wine expertise with recognized certification

  • Pastry Chef (ANZSCO 351112): Specialized training in baking and dessert preparation

  • Conference and Event Organizer (ANZSCO 149311): Event management qualifications

Where Are the Best Locations to Find Hospitality Work in Australia 2025?

Where Are the Best Locations to Find Hospitality Work in Australia- TerraTern

Geographic distribution of hospitality jobs in Australia varies significantly by state, with Queensland leading in tourism-related positions due to year-round warm weather and major tourist destinations including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns, with access to the Great Barrier Reef.

New South Wales offers the highest concentration of hospitality jobs in Australia in Sydney's central business district, with premium dining establishments, luxury hotels, and corporate catering opportunities providing higher wage rates but increased living costs.

Why Is Queensland the Top Choice for Tourism and Hospitality Workers?

Queensland's dominance in hospitality jobs in Australia stems from its $25 billion annual tourism industry, supporting over 230,000 hospitality positions across diverse sectors from beachfront resorts to rainforest eco-lodges and urban dining precincts.

  • Year-Round Employment - Tropical climate supports a 12-month tourism season

  • Tourism Industry Value - $25 billion annual industry supporting 230,000+ positions

  • Gold Coast Opportunities - 45,000+ hospitality jobs in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach

  • Cairns Adventure Tourism - Unique roles combining hospitality with outdoor activities

  • Seasonal Peak Earnings - Winter months (June-August) offer premium wage rates

  • Lower Living Costs - Affordable accommodation compared to Sydney/Melbourne

  • Visa Extension Opportunities - Regional work qualifies for Working Holiday extensions

What Makes Sydney and Melbourne Hospitality Markets Unique?

Sydney's hospitality jobs in the Australia market feature premium dining establishments with higher wage rates reflecting the city's status as Australia's financial center. Melbourne's renowned coffee culture creates specialized hospitality jobs in Australia, opportunities for skilled baristas, with laneway cafe culture supporting premium coffee preparation roles paying $25.00-$32.00 per hour for experienced professionals.

State/Territory

Job Availability

Average Hourly Wage

Seasonal Variation

Living Cost Index

Queensland

85,000+ positions

$26.50 - $32.00

High (winter peak)

88 (Sydney=100)

New South Wales

95,000+ positions

$28.00 - $35.00

Moderate

100 (baseline)

Victoria

78,000+ positions

$27.00 - $33.00

Moderate

95

Western Australia

45,000+ positions

$29.00 - $36.00

Low

92

South Australia

28,000+ positions

$25.50 - $31.00

High (wine season)

85

Also Read: Apply for a Working Visa in Australia: Types, Benefits, Process

What Hospital Nursing Jobs Are Available in Australia's Healthcare Hospitality Sector?

Hospital nursing jobs in Australia within healthcare hospitality sectors combine medical expertise with luxury service delivery, particularly in private hospitals and medical tourism facilities offering premium patient experiences alongside clinical care.

Medical tourism coordinators in hospital nursing jobs in Australia positions earn $65,000-$85,000 annually, supporting international patients through treatment journeys while ensuring comfort and cultural sensitivity in healthcare delivery.

How Do Healthcare Hospitality Roles Differ from Traditional Nursing?

Healthcare hospitality positions in hospital nursing jobs in Australia focus on patient experience enhancement rather than direct clinical care, including patient liaison roles, comfort amenity coordination, and family support services in premium healthcare facilities.

Luxury private hospital concierge nurses in hospital nursing jobs in Australia positions combine clinical oversight with hospitality management, ensuring patients receive five-star service standards during medical treatment and recovery periods.

What Qualifications Are Required for Hospital-Based Hospitality Positions?

Professional requirements for hospital nursing jobs in Australia healthcare hospitality roles include registered nursing qualifications through AHPRA, English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ for nursing registration), and additional hospitality training certifications.

Medical tourism specialist positions require cultural competency training, language skills, and understanding of international healthcare insurance systems, supporting the growing medical tourism industry valued at over $1 billion annually in Australia.

How Much Can You Earn Working in Australian Hospitality in 2025?

Earning potential across hospitality jobs in Australia significantly depends on the job, location, and experience level, and casual loading rates are 25 percent of the basic wages of non-permanent jobs. Rates on weekends have a 50-75 percent increase in earnings on shifts on Saturday, and a 100 percent rate on Sunday work.

Hourly wage rates are increasing to $65.00+ during public holiday peak periods to attract experienced staff in the hospitality jobs in Australia, which makes employment in the hospitality industry during peak tourist seasons and special events such as Melbourne Cup, Sydney New Year's Eve, and Perth Royal Show a very attractive job.

What Are the Current Minimum Wage Rates for Hospitality Workers?

Base wage rates for hospitality jobs in Australia begin at $24.95 per hour for level 1 food and beverage attendants, with casual loading increasing this to $31.19 per hour for non-permanent positions under the Hospitality Industry General Award 2020.

  • Level 1 Food Service - $24.95 per hour base rate, $31.19 with 25% casual loading

  • Experienced Waitstaff - $26.73-$29.15 per hour before penalty rates

  • Supervisory Positions - $31.45-$34.22 hourly wages with additional responsibilities

  • Weekend Penalty Rates - 50% Saturday loading, 100% Sunday premium rates

  • Public Holiday Rates - Up to $65.00+ per hour for experienced staff

  • Night Shift Loading - Additional $2.00-$4.00 per hour for late-night service

  • Casual Loading Benefits - 25% additional compensation for non-permanent positions

How Do Hospitality Salaries Compare Across Australian States?

Regional variations in hospitality jobs in Australia salaries reflect local economic conditions and tourism demand, with Western Australia offering the highest base wages due to the mining industry's prosperity, while Queensland provides consistent year-round employment opportunities.

Northern Territory hospitality workers receive additional remote area allowances, increasing effective wages by $2.00-$4.00 per hour, while Tasmania's emerging premium tourism sector offers competitive wages with lower living costs, enhancing disposable income potential.

Also Read: How to Go to Australia from India for a Job? Experts Guide

What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need for Hospitality Work?

What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need for Hospitality Work- TerraTern

Essential qualifications for hospitality jobs in Australia include Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification, mandatory across all states, food safety supervisor certificates for kitchen roles, and first aid certification, increasingly required for supervisory positions.

Which Certifications Are Mandatory for Australian Hospitality Work?

RSA certification represents the most critical requirement for hospitality jobs in Australia, with state-specific variations requiring completion before employment commencement. Online courses cost $35-$65 and provide immediate certification valid for employment across Australia.

  • RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) - State-specific requirements, $35-$65 online courses

  • Food Safety Supervisor - $150-$250 certification valid for five years

  • First Aid Certificate - Increasingly required for supervisory positions

  • Barista Certification - Professional training enhancing employment prospects

  • Security License - Required for venues with security responsibilities

  • Gaming Certificate - Mandatory for pubs and clubs with gaming machines

  • COVID Safety Training - Current health and safety protocols

How Important Is English Proficiency for Different Hospitality Roles?

Language requirements for hospitality jobs in Australia vary significantly between front-of-house customer service roles requiring fluent English communication and back-of-house positions where basic English suffices, with opportunities for skill development.

Bilingual capabilities provide competitive advantages, particularly in tourist destinations with high international visitor numbers, enabling premium service delivery and enhanced earning potential through tips and commission opportunities.

What Is the Best Way to Find Hospitality Jobs as an International Worker?

Job search strategies for hospitality jobs in Australia should begin three months before arrival, utilizing online platforms including Seek, Indeed Australia, and Gumtree for initial market research and application submission.

Which Job Platforms Have the Most Hospitality Listings?

Specialized recruitment agencies, including Hospitality Recruit, Placement Partners, and Wine & Hospitality Jobs, focus exclusively on industry positions, offering personalized placement services and career development support for qualified candidates.

  • Seek.com.au - 8,000+ active hospitality positions nationwide with salary guides

  • Indeed Australia - Comprehensive listings with company reviews and ratings

  • Gumtree - Local and immediate start opportunities, particularly for casual work

  • Hospitality Recruit - Specialized agency focusing exclusively on industry positions

  • Placement Partners - Professional placement service with career development support

  • Wine & Hospitality Jobs - Niche platform for premium establishment positions

  • Facebook Job Groups - Local community boards with same-day employment opportunities

How Do You Successfully Apply for Hospitality Positions?

Successful applications emphasize availability, flexibility, and customer service experience, with trial shifts commonly offered as final selection stages. Professional presentation, punctuality, and positive attitude during trial periods often determine permanent employment offers. Resume formatting should highlight relevant experience, certifications, and language skills, with Australian format preferences including contact details, work eligibility status, and referee availability for immediate contact.

Also Read: Top 10 Cheapest Cities in Australia: Experts' List

What Career Progression Opportunities Exist in Australian Hospitality?

What Career Progression Opportunities Exist in Australian Hospitality- TerraTern

Career advancement pathways in hospitality jobs in Australia provide structured progression from entry-level positions to management roles, with typical advancement timelines of 2-3 years for supervisory positions and 5-7 years for management roles.

Business ownership opportunities include franchise operations with major chains like McDonald's, Subway, and Domino's, requiring $200,000-$500,000 investment but offering established business models and ongoing support systems.

How Can You Advance from Kitchen Hand to Head Chef?

Culinary career progression follows established pathways from kitchen hand ($24.95/hour) to commis chef ($26.73/hour), chef de partie ($29.15/hour), sous chef ($35,000-$55,000 annually), and head chef ($65,000-$100,000 annually) with an 8-12 year typical progression timeline.

  • Kitchen Hand - $24.95/hour entry level with basic food preparation duties

  • Commis Chef - $26.73/hour after 6-12 months of experience and basic training

  • Chef de Partie - $29.15/hour with 2-3 years of experience and section responsibility

  • Sous Chef - $35,000-$55,000 annually after 4-6 years with management training

  • Head Chef - $65,000-$100,000 annually with 8-12 years total experience

  • TAFE Qualifications - Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery

  • Apprenticeship Programs - Earn while learning formal qualifications

What Management Opportunities Are Available in Hospitality?

Management career progression includes assistant manager roles ($45,000-$55,000), venue manager positions ($55,000-$70,000), and regional manager opportunities ($75,000-$95,000) with performance bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements in successful establishments.

 

Conclusion

Hospitality jobs in Australia represent an unprecedented opportunity for international workers seeking career advancement, competitive wages, and potential permanent residency pathways. With starting wages of $24.95/hour plus 25% casual loading and weekend penalty rates reaching $42.97/hour, Australia's hospitality sector offers some of the world's highest hospitality compensation packages while maintaining excellent working conditions and career development opportunities. For official visa pathways and skilled occupation information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List. To learn more about high paying hospitality jobs in Australia visit TerraTern now!

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