I'm a Trade-Qualified Cook But Below Level 4 — Is That Right?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000119
Almost certainly not. If you hold a trade qualification — such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery — the Restaurant Industry Award requires your employer to classify you at Level 4 minimum. This is an award requirement, not something at your employer's discretion.
If you're a trade-qualified cook being paid at Level 3 — you're being underpaid.
The rule
Under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119):
- Level 4 applies to any cook or chef with a relevant trade qualification
- This is a minimum — your employer must classify you at Level 4 or above from the date you obtain the qualification
- The classification is based on the qualification itself, not your role title or employer's preference
What you should be paid
Level 3 vs Level 4 permanent
- Level 3 permanent: $26.70/hr
- Level 4 permanent: $28.12/hr
- Gap per hour: $1.42
- Gap per 38-hour week: $53.96
- Gap per year (50 weeks): $2,698.00
This is the base rate gap alone — before Sunday penalties, public holiday rates, and overtime multipliers compound the difference further.
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.
What this costs you
The $1.42/hr gap at base rate might seem modest, but it compounds on every penalty shift. A Sunday shift at 1.5× turns a $1.42 gap into $2.13/hr. A public holiday at 2.25× turns it into $3.20/hr. Over a year of full-time work with regular weekend shifts, the total underpayment easily exceeds $3,000.
What to check
- Does your payslip show Level 4 (or higher) classification?
- Does your hourly rate match the Level 4 minimum for your employment type?
- If you completed your qualification mid-employment, was your rate updated from that date?
Frequently asked questions
Is Level 4 only for head chefs?
No. Level 4 under the Restaurant Award applies to any cook or chef who holds a trade qualification (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent). It is not limited to head chefs or supervisors.
I completed my apprenticeship 3 years ago but I'm still on Level 3 — can I claim the difference?
Yes. You should have been classified at Level 4 from the date you obtained your trade qualification. You can claim the underpayment for up to 6 years under the Fair Work Act.
What counts as a trade qualification?
A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) is the standard trade qualification. This includes completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent recognition of prior learning.
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General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.