Australia’s hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, fueled by booming tourism, diverse culinary cultures, and a strong dining-out tradition among locals. Behind every successful restaurant stands a competent restaurant manager, ensuring smooth operations, satisfied customers, and motivated staff. With rising labor shortages across the hospitality sector, restaurant manager jobs in Australia with work permits have become one of the most accessible pathways for international professionals seeking a stable career and long-term opportunities.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about becoming a restaurant manager in Australia in 2025 — including job responsibilities, average salaries, immigration pathways, sponsorship opportunities, career growth, and state-by-state demand.

Why Australia Needs International Restaurant Managers

Growing Hospitality Industry

Australia has a thriving food and beverage sector that generates billions of dollars annually. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and catering businesses are expanding across major cities and regional towns. This expansion requires experienced managers to oversee operations.

Staff Shortages

Due to workforce gaps, particularly after the global pandemic, many restaurants face difficulties hiring qualified management staff locally. This shortage has opened doors for international candidates to apply for positions with work permit sponsorship.

Multicultural Dining Demand

Australia is home to a highly diverse population, creating demand for a wide range of cuisines. International restaurant managers with cultural and culinary expertise are valued for their ability to run specialized establishments.

Job Description: What Does a Restaurant Manager Do?

A restaurant manager’s role extends beyond basic supervision. Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily operations of restaurants or food service establishments.
• Hiring, training, and supervising kitchen and service staff.
• Managing budgets, payroll, and supply orders.
• Ensuring compliance with Australian food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Handling customer service issues and maintaining high satisfaction levels.
• Coordinating with chefs, suppliers, and marketing teams.
• Implementing cost-control measures to maximize profitability.
• Planning promotions and events to attract customers.

Restaurant managers essentially act as the backbone of a restaurant, balancing both business and hospitality skills.

Average Salaries for Restaurant Managers in Australia (2025)

Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and type of employer. Here’s a breakdown:

• Entry-Level Restaurant Manager: AUD $55,000 – $65,000 per year
• Mid-Level Manager (3–5 years): AUD $65,000 – $85,000 per year
• Senior/Executive Restaurant Manager: AUD $85,000 – $110,000 per year
• Top-Tier Fine Dining or Hotel Managers: AUD $110,000 – $130,000+ annually

Regional towns may offer slightly lower salaries but often provide easier visa sponsorship opportunities, while cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer higher pay but greater competition.

States in Australia with High Demand for Restaurant Managers

New South Wales (NSW)

• Sydney is Australia’s dining capital with thousands of restaurants.
• High demand for managers with international cuisine expertise.

Victoria

• Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene makes it a hotspot for restaurant careers.
• Sponsorship opportunities are strong in both metro and regional areas.

Queensland

• Popular tourist destinations like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns require restaurant managers year-round.
• Hospitality growth driven by tourism ensures steady demand.

Western Australia

• Perth and mining towns with large worker populations create demand for restaurants and catering services.

South Australia

• Adelaide’s wine and food culture requires skilled managers, especially in winery restaurants.

Tasmania & Northern Territory

• Regional programs encourage international managers to relocate and fill labor shortages.
• Employers here are more likely to sponsor foreign candidates under work permit schemes.

Immigration Pathways for Restaurant Managers in Australia

International professionals can legally work in Australia through several visa pathways.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

• Allows employers to sponsor skilled restaurant managers when local workers are unavailable.
• Can be short-term (2 years) or medium-term (up to 4 years).
• Leads to permanent residency pathways after several years of work.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186

• Permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by Australian employers.
• Restaurant managers with experience can transition from TSS visa to ENS.

3. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

• Points-tested visa without the need for employer sponsorship.
• Requires high English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

4. Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

• State or territory nomination required.
• Restaurant managers are listed on skilled occupation lists in many states.

5. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme – Subclass 187

• For managers working in regional or rural Australia.
• Provides direct permanent residency options.

Sponsorship Opportunities for Restaurant Managers

Employers in Australia often provide sponsorship due to labor shortages. Sponsorship typically covers:

• Job offer with guaranteed contract.
• Application for TSS or other relevant visa.
• Assistance with relocation and settlement.
• Potential pathway to permanent residency after fulfilling work requirements.

Sponsorship is more common in regional areas where employers struggle to find skilled candidates locally.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

To qualify for restaurant manager roles in Australia, international candidates must meet certain requirements:

• Formal Qualification: Diploma or degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field (preferred but not always mandatory).
• Work Experience: At least 2–3 years of relevant restaurant or hospitality management experience.
• Language Proficiency: Strong English communication skills (IELTS scores often required for visas).
• Food Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with Australia’s food standards and hygiene practices.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to manage teams effectively in fast-paced environments.

Benefits of Working as a Restaurant Manager in Australia

• Competitive salaries with annual raises and performance bonuses.
• Job stability due to ongoing demand in hospitality.
• Career growth into general manager or operations manager roles.
• Opportunity for permanent residency through work permit sponsorship.
• Exposure to Australia’s multicultural dining industry.
• Work-life balance compared to many other countries.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Restaurant Manager Jobs with Work Permits

1. Assess Eligibility – Ensure you have the qualifications and experience needed.
2. Prepare a Professional Resume (CV) – Follow Australian resume formats.
3. Research Employers – Target restaurants, hotels, and catering companies in need of managers.
4. Apply for Jobs – Use job boards, recruitment agencies, and employer websites.
5. Secure a Job Offer – Employers willing to sponsor must be approved sponsors.
6. Visa Application – Apply for TSS, ENS, or skilled visas with employer support.
7. Relocate and Begin Work – Move to Australia once the visa is granted.

Challenges International Candidates May Face

• Visa Processing Times: Applications can take several months.
• Competition: High in urban centers like Sydney and Melbourne.
• Cost of Living: Major cities have higher living expenses.
• Regulatory Requirements: Understanding Australia’s workplace and food safety laws.

Despite these challenges, regional areas often offer faster sponsorship and less competition.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working as a restaurant manager in Australia can lead to exciting career advancements:

• Senior Restaurant Manager: Overseeing multiple outlets.
• Operations Manager: Managing entire hospitality groups.
• Hotel Food & Beverage Director: Transitioning into hotel management.
• Restaurant Ownership: Many managers eventually open their own establishments.

Tips for Securing Restaurant Manager Roles in Australia

• Highlight International Cuisine Knowledge: Employers value managers familiar with global dining trends.
• Target Regional Areas: Easier to secure work permits in less populated regions.
• Improve English Language Skills: Strong communication boosts employability.
• Gain Certifications: Food safety and first aid certifications make you more competitive.
• Stay Updated on Immigration Lists: Skilled occupation lists are updated regularly.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

The future is promising for restaurant managers in Australia. With continued tourism growth, population increases, and a shortage of skilled hospitality professionals, opportunities will remain abundant.

• Regional sponsorship programs are expanding.
• Employers are increasingly offering long-term contracts.
• Salaries are expected to rise due to labor shortages.
• Permanent residency pathways will continue to prioritize hospitality roles.

Final Thoughts

For international professionals seeking a rewarding career in hospitality, restaurant manager jobs in Australia with work permits offer not only financial stability but also a chance to secure permanent residency. Whether you’re managing a fine dining restaurant in Sydney, a café in Melbourne, or a resort in Queensland, the opportunities are vast and growing.

Australia’s multicultural society, robust hospitality industry, and immigration-friendly policies make it one of the best destinations for restaurant managers worldwide. With proper preparation, qualifications, and a strategic job search, 2025 could be the year you launch your career Down Under.