Waiters and sales assistants are the top employing occupations in the industry, with a mostly female, part-time employed workforce.
Largest employing occupations within the industry by sex, employed part-time and highest education attainment
Note: Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% due to rounding.
Number employed by sex², ABS Census 2021
| Occupation | Number of workers | Percentage male | Percentage female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiters | 22,500 | 27% | 73% |
| Sales assistants (general) | 21,800 | 29% | 71% |
| Chefs | 20,800 | 74% | 26% |
| Kitchenhands | 19,900 | 53% | 47% |
| Bar attendants and baristas | 17,300 | 44% | 56% |
| Fast food cooks | 13,000 | 72% | 28% |
| Cafe and restaurant managers | 12,800 | 51% | 49% |
| Cafe workers | 9,300 | 19% | 81% |
| Retail managers | 7,000 | 53% | 47% |
| Cooks | 5,500 | 56% | 44% |
Percentage working part-time, 2021
| Occupation | Percentage working part-time |
|---|---|
| Waiters | 92% |
| Sales assistants (general) | 94% |
| Chefs | 49% |
| Kitchenhands | 91% |
| Bar attendants and baristas | 80% |
| Fast food cooks | 87% |
| Cafe and restaurant managers | 37% |
| Cafe workers | 89% |
| Retail managers | 35% |
| Cooks | 69% |
Highest educational attainment, 2021
| Occupation | Percentage VET | Percentage higher education | Percentage no post-school qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiters | 17% | 18% | 65% |
| Sales assistants (general) | 8% | 5% | 87% |
| Chefs | 59% | 20% | 21% |
| Kitchenhands | 14% | 12% | 74% |
| Bar attendants and baristas | 23% | 19% | 58% |
| Fast food cooks | 12% | 7% | 81% |
Cafe and restaurant managers | 32% | 32% | 36% |
| Cafe workers | 17% | 13% | 70% |
| Retail managers | 27% | 25% | 48% |
| Cooks | 34% | 20% | 46% |
Updated