Cook
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Why this shortage: Retention gap
Snapshot
Median salary
A$103,300
Full-time annual
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Prepares, seasons and cooks food in a dining or catering establishment.
Scope note: Chefs, Fast Food Cooks and Kitchenhands are excluded from this occupation. Chefs are included in Occupation 321131 Chef. Fast Food Cooks are included in Occupation 851131 Fast Food Cook. Kitchenhands are included in Occupation 851231 Kitchenhand (General).
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Inspects and selects ingredients for cooking
- Measures, cleans, chops, blends, seasons, heats and cools food
- Monitors food cooking processes to ensure proper cooking and presentation
- Coordinates, supervises and collaborates with kitchen staff in food preparation and cooking
- Cleans and maintains kitchen equipment and utensils
- Monitors and maintains inventory of food supplies and equipment
- Assists in the development of new recipes and menu items
Credentials & Pathway
OSCA skill level 3
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Official VET pathways
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Occupation ready
Certificate III in Catering
Occupation ready
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
Occupation ready
Certificate IV in Asian Cookery
Occupation ready
Certificate I in Baking
Pre-vocational
Certificate I in Food Processing
Pre-vocational
Certificate II in Hospitality
Progression pathway
Certificate II in Cookery
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Patisserie
Progression pathway
Certificate IV in Patisserie
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)
Progression pathway
Certificate III in Asian Cookery
Progression pathway
Related study options
Bachelor
Compare university ROIBachelor of Hospitality Management
2 years · CRICOS record while university page is verified
Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management)
3 years · CRICOS record while university page is verified
Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies)
3 years · CRICOS record while university page is verified
Postgraduate & Master
Compare university ROIReal jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
QLD · May 2026
263
ACT · May 2026
20
VIC · May 2026
231
NT · May 2026
20
SA · May 2026
84
NSW · May 2026
312
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+6%
2,357 projected jobs
to 2035
+13%
4,947 projected jobs
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Cook.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - South East
973 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - South East
973 employed
VIC
-7.24%
year on year
- 2
Brisbane - South
841 employed
QLD
+9.65%
year on year
- 3
Sydney - Inner South West
791 employed
NSW
-3.54%
year on year
- 4
Melbourne - Inner
760 employed
VIC
-7.65%
year on year
- 5
Melbourne - West
701 employed
VIC
-6.28%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
37,635
Moved in from another occupation
7,895
Moved to another occupation
9,070
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
4
points
- 2
4
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
- 5
2
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 322331
- Last updated
- 2026-01-23
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2025 Shortage List + ABS EEH May 2025
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: verified.