Chef Average Salary in Johannesburg 2024
How much money does a person working as Chef make in Johannesburg?
LOW
9,710
ZAR AVERAGE
19,800
ZAR HIGH
30,900
ZAR
A person working as Chef in Johannesburg typically earns around 19,800 ZAR. Salaries range from 9,710 ZAR (lowest) to 30,900 ZAR (highest).
Salary Variance
This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Chef salaries in Johannesburg vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Below you will find a detailed breakdown based on many different criteria.
Chef Pay Scale and Salaries in Johannesburg
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
18,400 ZAR or more
16,200 to 18,400 ZAR
11,500 ZAR or less
11,500 to 16,200 ZAR
 9,710 ZAR |
18,500 ZAR |
30,900 ZAR |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Salaries for the position Chef in Johannesburg range from 9,710 ZAR (starting salary) to 30,900 ZAR (maximum salary). It should be noted that the given figure is not the legally mandated minimum wage; rather, it represents the lowest figure reported in a salary survey that included thousands of participants and professionals from all regions of the country.
Median Salary
With a median salary of 18,500 ZAR, half of the professionals who work as Chef in Johannesburg earn less than this amount, and the other half earn more. The median salary denotes the middle value of salaries. Ideally, you would want to belong to the group earning more than the median salary, located on the right side of the salary distribution graph.
Percentiles and Salary Scale
The median is closely associated with two other values known as the 25th and 75th percentiles. By examining the salary distribution chart, it can be determined that 25% of professionals employed as Chef in Johannesburg earn less than 15,100 ZAR, while 75% earn more. Similarly, the chart shows that 75% earn less than 21,100 ZAR while 25% earn more.
Pay Scale Structure
To provide a better understanding of expected salaries, we categorized the frequently occurring salaries into different ranges. This approach provides a more precise representation of salary distribution for the job title Chef in Johannesburg compared to simply calculating the average. The majority of reported salaries, approximately 65%, fall within the range of 11,500 ZAR to 16,200 ZAR. About 20% of salaries are below the 11,500 ZAR mark, while 10% fall within the range of 16,200 ZAR to 18,400 ZAR. Only 5% of individuals have salaries exceeding 18,400 ZAR.
Salary Comparison by Years of Experience / Chef / Johannesburg
How do experience and age affect pay?
| 0 - 2 Years | 11,500 ZAR | |
| 2 - 5 Years | +29% | 14,800 ZAR |
| 5 - 10 Years | +38% | 20,400 ZAR |
| 10 - 15 Years | +24% | 25,300 ZAR |
| 15 - 20 Years | +7% | 27,100 ZAR |
| 20+ Years | +7% | 28,900 ZAR |
The experience level is the most important factor in determining the salary. Naturally, the more years of experience the higher the wage. We broke down salaries by experience level for people working as Chef and this is what we found.
Employees with less than two years of experience earn approximately 11,500 ZAR.
While someone with an experience level between two and five years is expected to earn 14,800 ZAR, 29% more than someone with less than two year's experience.
Moving forward, an experience level between five and ten years lands a salary of 20,400 ZAR, 38% more than someone with two to five years of experience.
Additionally, professionals whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen years get a salary equivalent to 25,300 ZAR, 24% more than someone with five to ten years of experience.
If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is 27,100 ZAR, 7% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.
Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary of 28,900 ZAR, 7% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of experience.
Typical Salary Progress for Most Careers
Salary Comparison By Education / Chef / Johannesburg
How do education levels affect salaries?
Displayed below is the average salary variance between different education levels of professionals working as Chef.
| High School | 16,300 ZAR | |
| Certificate or Diploma | +65% | 26,900 ZAR |
We all know that higher education equals a bigger salary, but how much more money can a degree add to your income? We broke down salaries by education level for the position Chef in order to make a comparison.
Level 1: High School
Employees at this education level have an average salary of 16,300 ZAR.
Level 2: Certificate or Diploma
At this level, the average salary becomes 26,900 ZAR, 65% more than the previous level.
Typical Salary Difference by Education for Most Careers
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Chef / Johannesburg
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? For the people who work as Chef in South Africa, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 12%.
| Male | 22,200 ZAR | |
| Female | -11% | 19,900 ZAR |
Salary Comparison By Gender in South Africa for all Careers
Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage / Chef / Johannesburg
How much are annual salary increments in Johannesburg for individuals working as Chef? How often do employees get salary raises?
Individuals working as Chef in South Africa are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately % every months. The national average annual increment for all professions combined is 8% granted to employees every 18 months.
South Africa / All Professions
The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.
How to calculate the salary increment percentage?
The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
Salary Packages and Schemes
Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.
Bonus and Incentive Rates / Chef / South Africa
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
Share This Chart Tweet Get Chart Linkhttp://www.salaryexplorer.com/charts/south-africa/food-hospitality-tourism-catering/chef/annual-salary-bonus-rate-south-africa-chef.jpg
100% of surveyed staff reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | % | |
| No Bonus | 100% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based BonusesThe most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance BonusesOccasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.
Goal-Based BonusesGranted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year BonusesThese types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.
Bonuses Are Not Commissions!
People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.
What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?
The main two types of jobs | |
| Revenue Generators | Supporting Cast |
Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business. | Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations. |
Example: | Example: |
Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.
Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level
Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.
Average Hourly Wage / Chef / Johannesburg
110 ZAR per hourThe average hourly wage (pay per hour) for individuals working as Chef in Johannesburg is 110 ZAR.This is the rate they get paid for every worked hour.
About The Hourly Pay Rate
The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.
What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?
The minimum pay rate per hour for people working as Chef in Johannesburg is 56 ZAR. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.
Salary comparison with similar jobs
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering |  -100% | |
| Airbnb Property Manager | 35,600 ZAR |  +80% |
| All Rounder | 13,700 ZAR | -31% |
| Assistant Executive Housekeeper | 10,100 ZAR | -49% |
| Assistant Food and Beverage Controller | 19,700 ZAR | -1% |
| Assistant Food and Beverage Director | 41,000 ZAR | +110% |
| Assistant Hospitality Manager | 43,200 ZAR | +120% |
| Assistant Storekeeper | 8,790 ZAR | -56% |
| Assistant Tour Manager | 20,700 ZAR | +4% |
| Baker and Pastrycook | 11,700 ZAR | -41% |
| Bakery Manager | 25,500 ZAR | +29% |
| Bakery Superintendent | 16,100 ZAR | -19% |
| Banquet Captain | 12,600 ZAR | -36% |
| Banquet Manager | 18,100 ZAR | -9% |
| Banquet Server | 10,800 ZAR | -45% |
| Bar Attendant | 10,900 ZAR | -45% |
| Bar Manager | 22,700 ZAR | +15% |
| Bar Supervisor | 15,000 ZAR | -24% |
| Barista | 13,600 ZAR | -31% |
| Bartender | 12,300 ZAR | -38% |
| Bellman | 10,300 ZAR | -48% |
| Beverage Manager | 26,700 ZAR | +35% |
| Bistro Attendant | 10,900 ZAR | -45% |
| Buffet Chef | 20,200 ZAR | +2% |
| Buffet Host | 10,400 ZAR | -48% |
| Buffet Manager | 24,500 ZAR | +24% |
| Butcher and Slaughterer | 8,820 ZAR | -55% |
| Cafeteria Assistant | 11,000 ZAR | -44% |
| Cafeteria Manager | 19,200 ZAR | -3% |
| Cafeteria Supervisor | 14,400 ZAR | -27% |
| Cake Decorator | 12,700 ZAR | -36% |
| Casino Shift Manager | 37,400 ZAR | +89% |
| Chain Store Customer Support | 16,600 ZAR | -16% |
| Chef | 19,800 ZAR | -0% |
| Chef De Cuisine | 28,900 ZAR | +46% |
| Club Manager | 39,000 ZAR | +97% |
| Cluster Director | 49,800 ZAR | +150% |
| Cluster Revenue Manager | 37,400 ZAR | +89% |
| Cocktail Server | 10,500 ZAR | -47% |
| Coffee Shop Manager | 37,900 ZAR | +91% |
| Concierge | 10,000 ZAR | -50% |
| Confectionery Baker | 12,200 ZAR | -38% |
| Conference and Sales Coordinator | 18,000 ZAR | -9% |
| Conference Services Manager | 23,100 ZAR | +17% |
| Cook | 17,000 ZAR | -14% |
| Corporate Sous Chef | 29,500 ZAR | +49% |
| Corporate Travel Consultant | 29,800 ZAR | +50% |
| Croupier | 14,800 ZAR | -25% |
| Culinary Assistant | 9,480 ZAR | -52% |
| Culinary Associate | 9,090 ZAR | -54% |
| Culinary Tour Guide | 24,500 ZAR | +24% |
| Demi Chef | 19,900 ZAR | +0% |
| Dietary Aide | 20,500 ZAR | +3% |
| Dining Room Supervisor | 19,300 ZAR | -3% |
| Dishwasher | 8,300 ZAR | -58% |
| Duty Manager | 25,400 ZAR | +28% |
| Events Coordinator | 15,000 ZAR | -24% |
| Executive Chef | 23,300 ZAR | +18% |
| Executive Pastry Chef | 18,700 ZAR | -6% |
| Fast Food Cook | 17,000 ZAR | -14% |
| Fast Food Shift Supervisor | 18,300 ZAR | -8% |
| Fine Dining Cook | 28,800 ZAR | +45% |
| Fine Dining Restaurant Chef | 30,800 ZAR | +55% |
| Fleet Manager | 49,100 ZAR | +150% |
| Food and Beverage Manager | 39,500 ZAR | +99% |
| Food and Beverage Trend Analyst | 27,500 ZAR | +39% |
| Food Consultant | 31,200 ZAR | +57% |
| Food Photographer | 20,200 ZAR | +2% |
| Food Policy Analyst | 28,800 ZAR | +45% |
| Food Safety Auditor | 25,700 ZAR | +30% |
| Food Safety Compliance Manager | 31,600 ZAR | +60% |
| Food Safety Coordinator | 24,400 ZAR | +23% |
| Food Server | 10,400 ZAR | -48% |
| Food Service Director | 37,600 ZAR | +90% |
| Food Service Manager | 41,400 ZAR | +110% |
| Food Service Sales | 25,700 ZAR | +30% |
| Food Service Worker | 10,700 ZAR | -46% |
| Food Stylist | 16,900 ZAR | -15% |
| Food Sustainability Consultant | 31,600 ZAR | +60% |
| Front Desk Agent | 12,100 ZAR | -39% |
| Front Desk Clerk | 12,000 ZAR | -39% |
| Front Office Manager | 21,700 ZAR | +10% |
| Gastronomy Consultant | 24,300 ZAR | +23% |
| Guest Service Executive | 36,000 ZAR | +82% |
| Guest Service Representative | 13,500 ZAR | -32% |
| Head Chef | 25,000 ZAR | +26% |
| Head Concierge | 16,100 ZAR | -19% |
| Hospitality Director | 61,800 ZAR | +210% |
| Hospitality Technology Specialist | 26,300 ZAR | +33% |
| Hostess / Host | 11,800 ZAR | -40% |
| Hotel Desk Clerk | 11,700 ZAR | -41% |
| Hotel Maid | 8,860 ZAR | -55% |
| Hotel Manager | 61,400 ZAR | +210% |
| Hotel Revenue Manager | 35,600 ZAR | +80% |
| Hotel Sales Manager | 45,400 ZAR | +130% |
| Hotel Service Supervisor | 33,200 ZAR | +68% |
| Hotel Staff | 11,600 ZAR | -41% |
| Inventory Coordinator | 12,800 ZAR | -35% |
| Kitchen Manager | 19,300 ZAR | -3% |
| Kitchen Staff | 11,200 ZAR | -43% |
| Kitchen Supervisor | 18,000 ZAR | -9% |
| Line Cook | 18,900 ZAR | -5% |
| Luggage Porter | 8,580 ZAR | -57% |
| Molecular Gastronomist | 31,000 ZAR | +56% |
| Motel Manager | 32,300 ZAR | +63% |
| Pastry Chef | 17,400 ZAR | -12% |
| Pastrycooking and Baking Assistant | 11,700 ZAR | -41% |
| Personal Chef | 23,500 ZAR | +19% |
| Production Operator | 17,100 ZAR | -14% |
| Quality, Health and Safety Coordinator | 19,000 ZAR | -4% |
| Receptionist | 12,100 ZAR | -39% |
| Regional Restaurant Manager | 46,200 ZAR | +130% |
| Restaurant Manager | 41,700 ZAR | +110% |
| Restaurant Server | 9,860 ZAR | -50% |
| Room Reservations Manager | 39,500 ZAR | +99% |
| Room Service Manager | 36,000 ZAR | +82% |
| Sous Chef | 23,600 ZAR | +19% |
| Special Events Coordinator | 23,100 ZAR | +17% |
| Supervisor of Food Services | 28,100 ZAR | +42% |
| Sustainable Catering Coordinator | 24,100 ZAR | +22% |
| Sustainable Tourism Consultant | 25,900 ZAR | +31% |
| Tour Consultant | 30,900 ZAR | +56% |
| Tour Guide | 19,300 ZAR | -3% |
| Tour Manager | 26,300 ZAR | +33% |
| Travel Agent | 20,200 ZAR | +2% |
| Travel Consultant | 29,300 ZAR | +48% |
| Virtual / Augmented Reality Tourism Specialist | 25,300 ZAR | +28% |
| Waiter / Waitress | 10,700 ZAR | -46% |
| Wedding Planner | 30,800 ZAR | +55% |
Salary Comparison By City
| City | Average Salary |
| Cape Town | 22,000 ZAR |
| Johannesburg | 19,800 ZAR |
Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison
Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in South Africa is 7% on average across all career fields.
| Private Sector | 30,400 ZAR | |
| Public Sector | +7% | 32,400 ZAR |
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary for the job title Chef in Johannesburg?
A good and competitive compensation would range anywhere between 18,500 ZAR and 21,100 ZAR. This is a very rough estimate. Experience and education play a very huge part in the final earnings.
Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary for a careers like Chef in Johannesburg ranges from 9,710 ZAR to 15,100 ZAR. The base salary depends on many factors including experience and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.
What is the difference between the median and the average salary?
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary
