Careers advice

How to become a chef in NZ

So, you want to be a chef? Here's the recipe to start your career.

Last updated: 1 August 2025

From making a crust to running the whole kitchen, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the training, pathways, and pay rates for chefs in Aotearoa.

Ever dreamt of trading your desk for a chef's apron? A career in cooking is more than just a job; it's a passport to a fast-paced, creative, and passion-fueled world. But before you start sharpening your knives, it helps to know the real ingredients for success in New Zealand’s buzzing food scene. Let's slice and dice what it really takes to build a culinary career, from your first day to your first Head Chef role.

1. Get the skills to pay the bills

First things first, you need the know-how. In New Zealand, there are two main paths to get yourself qualified.

The 'study first' route: Culinary schoolThis means enrolling in a cookery course at a polytech or training institute. You’ll learn all the fundamentals in a structured way – from mastering knife skills and food safety to nailing classic sauces. It’s a great way to build a solid foundation of knowledge before you dive into the heat of a real kitchen.Top rated options include:

The 'earn and learn' route: An apprenticeshipThis is the classic way in. You'll work in a kitchen, learning directly from seasoned pros while getting paid. You’ll work towards the same national qualifications as a full-time student, but you’ll be doing it on the job. This is perfect if you’re a hands-on learner who’s itching to get straight into the action.

2. Climb the kitchen ladder (and increase your pay)

A chef's career is a journey, and you'll work your way up through the ranks. Each step up the ladder brings more responsibility, more creative control, and, most importantly, a bigger pay packet.

Here’s a taste of the typical path and what you can expect to earn at each level:

Commis Chef (The Apprentice): This is where your journey begins. You're the rookie, helping with prep, learning from everyone, and absorbing as much as you can. You’ll likely start around minimum wage, earning up to $55,000 per year as you gain experience.
Chef de Partie (The Section Boss): You've got some solid skills now, so you'll take charge of a specific station, like pastry, sauces, or the grill. At this point, you're looking at a salary in the range of $55,000 to $65,000.
Sous Chef (The Second-in-Command): As the Head Chef’s right-hand, you’re a leader in the kitchen. You'll help manage the team, control quality, and step up when the boss is away. This responsibility comes with a pay bump, typically between $65,000 and $80,000.
Head Chef (The Boss): You're running the show now. You create the menus, manage the budget, lead the team, and are responsible for the entire kitchen's success. Head Chefs in New Zealand can earn anywhere from $80,000 to well over $100,000, especially in top-tier restaurants or hotels.

3. Thinking beyond the restaurant

While the restaurant path is standard, it's not the only one. Your chef skills are transferable and can open up a whole menu of other career options. You could become a caterer for huge events, a private chef for a wealthy family, a food stylist for magazines, or even start your own food truck or cafe. The skills you learn in the kitchen, creativity, teamwork, and performing under pressure are valuable everywhere.

Ready to start the job search?

Building a career as a chef takes a heap of passion and a tonne of hard work, but it's one of the most rewarding gigs out there. You start with the right training, you climb the ladder one step at a time, and you watch your skills and your salary grow. It’s a solid career path with plenty of room to make your mark on New Zealand’s incredible food scene.

Time to fire up the grill on your career? Check out the latest chef jobs on Trade Me Jobs today.

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Trade Me Jobs

Written by one of our Trade Me Jobs experts - providing you with the latest information on the New Zealand job market.