Thanks to its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and multicultural population, Australia has been a point of fascination for many people around the world. Considered one of the best places on earth to live and work, tourism is an essential component of the Australian way of life. And while the country, and continent, of 40 million people, has experienced a slightly slowed GDP since 2021 (owing to inflation and the ensuing fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic), experts predict a resounding boom for 2024 and beyond.
What hasn’t changed much in decades is the country’s thriving hospitality industry, which employs nearly 900,000 residents. The industry continues to experience steady growth, fueled by a growing appreciation for quality dining experiences. Australia’s love for food and vibrant culinary scene can be attributed to a variety of factors, including an abundance of fresh local produce and a strong café culture. Restaurants in Australia range from fine dining establishments serving innovative and globally inspired cuisine to casual eateries offering traditional Australian fare like meat pies and seafood. Overall, the industry is highly competitive but continues to evolve and innovate in response to changing consumer tastes and preferences.
This article explores the state of the current Australian hiring market, specifically the food and beverage industry. Here, you will learn how to go about hiring staff, how much chefs and waitstaff earn, and the top job websites for sourcing the best talent in the country.
How to Hire Restaurant Staff in Australia
Looking to hire staff in Australia? You may want to know where you stand, legally. And what processes to follow in order to avoid fines and violations.
Hiring restaurant employees in Australia requires somewhat of a strategic approach, not to mention strict adherence to legal requirements that guarantee a successful recruitment process. To start, it is important to determine the specific roles needed based on your restaurant’s concept and target market. Once these positions are identified, putting together a comprehensive job description that outlines the skills, qualifications, and experience required can attract suitable candidates.
Recruitment channels such as online job portals (more on that below), industry-specific websites, and social media platforms are effective tools for reaching potential employees. Conducting thorough interviews enables employers to assess candidates’ communication and customer service skills, as well as industry knowledge. Compliance with employment regulations must be prioritized at all stages of the hiring process, including eligibility checks for working in Australia and conducting fair employment practices without discrimination.
For example, under the Fair Work Act of 2009, workers are given basic rights at all work levels––including a minimum wage, paid leave periods, and safe working environments. Compensation laws enforce the fact that employees should not be made to work more than 38 hours in any given week. Any instances of these laws being broken can result in significant fines for any business in any region of the continent.
Finally, a proper onboarding program should be implemented for new hires in order to effectively introduce them to company policies and procedures. Adhering to these processes can significantly protect restaurant business owners and staff in Australia.
What are the Best Restaurant Job Sites in Australia?
Using GrabJobs to hire dedicated hospitality workers in Australia is the best option for employers. This cost-effective job board and recruitment solution is ideal for employers looking to fill vacancies in bars, restaurants, and other venues thanks to its many features, including auto-sourcing and candidate screening. Plus, with over 5,000 companies using GrabJobs for their staffing solutions, its wide reach means plenty of eyes are on your job postings at any given time. As for candidates, auto-generated profiles mean that users can start applying for new jobs in seconds, making it ideal for businesses looking to hire quickly and easily.
2. Careerjet
This user-friendly job search engine and resource website caters to Australians looking for employment opportunities across various industries and locations. Careerjet aggregates job listings from multiple sources, including company websites, recruitment agencies, and job boards, giving users an extensive database of available positions to choose from. Its seamless interface allows for easy navigation and customization of search criteria such as industry, location, salary range, and job type. And, with a global presence in over 90 countries and available in multiple languages, this platform serves as a valuable tool for both job seekers and employers looking to connect with local and foreign talent.
3. Seek
A major player in Australian job searches, Seek offers a powerful and versatile online platform designed to streamline the hiring process for employers. With an extensive range of job listings from different sectors, candidates can easily search for employment opportunities that match their skills and interests. Seek also allows employers to advertise available positions effortlessly, reaching a large pool of qualified candidates. With its robust database and advanced algorithms, CVs are promptly matched with suitable job vacancies, saving both time and effort for hiring managers and business owners.
4. Gumtree
In Australia, Gumtree is a hugely popular online classified advertisement platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade various goods and services. It also features a heavily trafficked jobs section that features simple postings for work in various industries, making it ideal for those looking for quick employment. Gumtree also helps communication between employer and candidate thanks to its intuitive messaging system. Sleek, simple, and fast, Gumtree is a great option for restaurant owners.
5. Jora
Jora is a renowned job search engine in Australia that provides an extensive platform for job seekers and employers. Users can comb through thousands of job listings from various sources, including company websites and other job boards, while employers can also leverage the platform’s features by posting job vacancies and accessing a vast pool of potential candidates.
6. Careerone
This comprehensive platform caters to Australians seeking professional opportunities across various industries. Boasting an extensive database of job listings from well-established companies, candidates can search for suitable hospitality positions that align with their skill sets and career objectives. Careerone also offers valuable insights on salary ranges, career advice articles, and networking opportunities through its active community forum.
7. Adzuna
Adzuna is a comprehensive search website that connects job seekers with employers across various industries. With its sleek interface, the platform provides a strong database of current job listings from multiple sources, allowing users to efficiently search and apply for positions that match their skills and experience. For employers, Adzuna has useful features such as resume database access and targeted advertising tools to attract top talent effectively.
8. Indeed (Australia)
Indeed is a very useful platform for Australian employers and job seekers alike. The simple user interface means that candidates can access job postings and respond with their CVs directly. And, since the website is a preferred option for users around the globe, Indeed has one of the largest databases of clients available for restaurant owners who need to find qualified staff members, and fast.
9. PostJobFree
Simple and easy to use, Postjobfree is an efficient online platform designed to connect job seekers with potential employers. With its seamless interface and comprehensive search functionality, the site allows users to easily filter through thousands of listings based on location, salary, job title, and more. Best of all, employers have ready access to a large pool of qualified individuals while also having the option to promote their postings through premium features.
10. Jobvertise
Jobvertise is a comprehensive job search website that includes an extensive database of listings from various industries that users can browse and filter by their skills, experience, and qualifications. It also stands out among its competitors due to its commitment to protecting user privacy by allowing candidates to anonymize their resumes while still accessing the benefits of the platform. Meanwhile, employers benefit from Jobvertise’s services as they can easily post job openings and connect with potential candidates through the platform’s messaging system.
11. LinkedIn (Australia)
Jobrapido is a leading job search engine website that provides Malaysians with an efficient and comprehensive platform for finding job opportunities across various markets and locations, especially in the food and beverage industry. It not only enables users to search for jobs but also provides useful features such as email alerts and saved searches, making it convenient for job seekers to stay updated and simple for employers.
12. Glassdoor (Australia)
More than just a site for unbiased company reviews, Glassdoor is also an essential platform for employers looking to hire hospitality talent across Australia. With Glassdoor’s most basic service, restaurant owners can post job openings and connect with candidates easily while offering transparency about their company from past and current employees. As a result of Glassdoor’s global reach, thousands of potential candidates are on the site at any given moment––making it perfect for quick hires.
What is the Average Salary for Chefs in Australia?
Given the importance of tourism and travel to the Australian continent, restaurant businesses around the country make it a point to have dedicated and qualified chefs working in their establishments so that the melting pot of Oceanic cuisines comes through from menu to table. As such, many talented people working in these kitchens bring their skills to work every day in the hopes of making a lasting impression––and, of course, earning a decent paycheck.
The average salary for Australian chefs, like chefs in any country, can vary depending on factors such as expertise, skillset, and venue. Currently, the average salary ranges from anywhere between approximately AUD 45,000 to AUD 79,000 per year. That being said, it is important to note that these figures can significantly increase with years of experience and specialized skills.
Head chefs or executive chefs in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels could earn annual salaries upwards of AUD 100,000. Tasmanian and Western Australian chefs often command higher salaries due to the demand for skilled culinary professionals in those regions. And, those who actively pursue professional development opportunities regularly and gain international exposure may enjoy even higher earning potential in a shorter amount of time.
What is the Average Hourly Rate for Waiters and Waitresses in Australia?
In Australia, the minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission and is intended to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor. As of 2023, the national minimum wage is $23.23 per hour or $882.80 per week, which roughly translates to an annual salary of approximately $39,000 for full-time work. However, there are some industry-based variations and rates that may apply in specific sectors. The Fair Work Commission reviews and adjusts the minimum wage every year, taking into account various factors such as economic conditions, living standards, and inflation. Some states and territories in Australia have even introduced higher minimum wages based on local laws to enhance worker protection in those regions.
When it comes to the waitstaff working in Australia’s hospitality and food and beverage industry, the average hourly rate typically ranges between AUD 17 to AUD 25, varying depending on factors such as location, experience, and establishment. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where the cost of living is higher, it is common to find hourly rates at the higher end of this range; meanwhile, regional areas may have slightly lower rates. Experience plays a significant role in determining wages, with entry-level positions generally receiving lower pay compared to those with several years of industry experience. Additionally, high-end restaurants or establishments that require workers to possess specialized skills or knowledge may offer better compensation packages. It is also worth noting that these figures are indicative only and can differ based on individual negotiation and employer discretion.
TOP 12: The Best Job Sites in Australia for Hiring Restaurant Staff
There you have it! A comprehensive and detailed look at the hiring process within Australia’s food and beverage industry. From sourcing and employing restaurant staff (both local and foreign) to the expected salaries of various front and back-of-house workers, plus, the 12 best job sites for searching for qualified talent––you should have a much better understanding of where to start and how best to run your business. If you are a restaurant owner in Australia, you should check out GrabJobs for all your hiring needs.
There you have it! Twelve popular job boards and employment portals in Australia. Now that you’ve got the best options available at your disposal, you should have a much easier time sourcing talent for your business. Happy hiring!
