Are you keeping your kitchen fully staffed this year? Hire, train and keep your hospo teams as the industry ramps up to pre-pandemic times.

Australia’s hospitality industry is booming in 2025, with a nationwide surge in demand for chefs, kitchen staff, and hospitality professionals across restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The industry is rebounding strongly post-pandemic and tourism continues to rise with more of the population now getting back out to travelling and enjoying time out. Consequently, businesses are urgently seeking skilled talent to fill a growing number of vacancies. Roles such as head chefs, sous chefs, kitchen hands, and hospitality managers are particularly sought after, with shortages prompting employers to look both locally and overseas. Whether you're hiring for a venue in Queensland, Victoria, or New South Wales, understanding the latest hospitality hiring trends is essential to securing top talent in a competitive market.

Why the Surge in Hospitality Demand?

Several factors contribute to the growing demand for hospitality professionals:

Post-Pandemic Recovery: As Australia rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, there's a renewed enthusiasm for dining out and travel, leading to increased activity in the hospitality sector. Restaurants and venues are seeing a full house on weekdays in some areas.
Economic Growth: The hospitality market, valued at AUD 102.05 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2034, reaching AUD 148.18 billion by 2034.
Labor Shortages: The industry faces a significant shortage of skilled workers, prompting businesses to seek talent both locally and internationally.

In-Demand Roles in 2025

The hospitality sector is seeking professionals across various roles.

Chefs & Cooks: Including Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Chef de Partie.
Hospitality Managers: Overseeing operations in restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
Kitchen Hands: Assisting in food preparation and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
Baristas & Bar Attendants: Crafting beverages and providing customer service.

Local vs. International Talent

Like many industries right now, the demand for hospitality professionals has outpaced the supply of local talent.

International Recruitment: Australia is actively recruiting chefs from countries like India, the Philippines, and the UK to fill the talent gap.
Visa Sponsorships: Programs like the Culinary Trainee Program offer international chefs opportunities to work and train in Australia, with pathways to longer term employment.

State-by-State Breakdown: Where Hospitality Demand Is Surging in 2025

Hospitality workforce demand is rising across Australia, but some states and regions are feeling the pressure more acutely due to tourism recovery, population growth, and persistent staff shortages.

Queensland: Tourism Drives the Surge

Queensland remains a hospitality hotspot thanks to its thriving tourism economy and regional events calendar.
The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are particularly active, with many restaurants and resorts reporting unfilled vacancies for chefs and front-of-house staff well into 2025.
According to Jobs Queensland, the accommodation and food services industry is projected to grow 2.5% annually in the state over the next three years.

New South Wales: Urban Recovery Fuels Growth

Sydney is experiencing a strong post-COVID rebound in dining, nightlife, and events, increasing demand for experienced chefs, kitchen hands, and bar staff.
Regional NSW areas like the Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, and Blue Mountains are also competing for talent as they continue to draw domestic tourism and “tree-change” populations.
Many businesses are relying on visa-sponsored chefs to meet demand, as local recruitment has not been sufficient.

Victoria: Melbourne’s Culinary Scene Rebuilds

Melbourne, long known for its food and coffee culture, is facing an acute shortage of skilled chefs and cooks. Many high-end venues report months-long hiring timelines for qualified back-of-house staff.
The Victorian Government's hospitality workforce development plans are focused on boosting training pathways and fast-tracking skilled migrant placements.
Regional centres like Bendigo and Geelong are also hiring, particularly in boutique accommodation and events-focused venues.

Western Australia: Talent Scarcity in Regional Tourism Hubs

Hospitality businesses in areas like Margaret River and Broome are competing heavily for staff during the high season.
Many rely on interstate workers or sponsored visa holders to fill chef, housekeeping, and hospitality manager roles.
According to Tourism WA, workforce shortages in these regional hubs are constraining growth, with operators forced to reduce trading hours or services.

Future Outlook

The hospitality sector's growth is expected to continue well into 2025 and beyond.

Employment Growth: Employment in the Accommodation and Food Services industry grew by 3.7% over the last year, with expectations of continued growth.
Innovation in Dining: Unique dining experiences, such as open-fire cooking, are gaining popularity, indicating a trend towards experiential dining.

If you're considering a career in Australia's hospitality industry or looking to recruit talent, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions.

Contact us for more detailed information or guidance on specific roles or pathways within your business.

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Hiring for Hospitality in 2025: How to Stay Ahead of the Competition