Pay expectations have shifted again this year, and the gap between a competitive offer and a slow one is often the difference between filling a role in a week and losing a good candidate to someone quicker. This guide sets out indicative 2026 ranges across the areas we recruit, plus what is moving rates right now.
Figures below are broad guides for permanent, full-time roles and exclude superannuation unless noted. Actual pay varies by location, venue or site, certifications and how in-demand the skill set is. For a tailored benchmark on a specific role, just ask us.
Hospitality
- Head Chef: $90k to $115k + super
- Sous Chef: $70k to $85k + super
- Chef de Partie: $62k to $72k + super
- Venue Manager: $75k to $95k + super
- Front of House / Floor Staff (casual): $30 to $42 per hour
Trades and industrial
- Licensed Electrician: $75k to $95k + super, or $45 to $60 per hour
- Diesel Mechanic: $80k to $100k + super
- Warehouse Team Lead: $70k to $85k + super
- Site Labourer (temp, White Card): $34 to $45 per hour
Office and professional
- Bookkeeper: $70k to $85k + super
- Marketing Coordinator: $65k to $80k + super
- Operations Manager: $110k to $140k + super
- Administration and Support: $60k to $75k + super
What is moving rates in 2026
Three things are doing most of the work this year: sustained demand for skilled hospitality and trades staff, candidates weighing roster and flexibility as heavily as pay, and a premium on people who can start quickly and need little hand-holding.
The fastest way to lose a strong candidate is a slow, uncertain process. Clarity on pay, hours and next steps beats a marginally higher number.
If you are benchmarking a role or building a hiring budget for the year, we are happy to sense-check your numbers against what we are seeing on the ground, at no cost.