Average salaries fall while hospitality employees seek different benefits to boost job satisfaction

Salaries across the UK’s hospitality sector are an average of 10.3% lower this year than they were last year, with pay in the hotel sector showing the steepest decline, down -17%, according to The UK’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2025, from Hospitality Jobs UK and KAM Insights in partnership with the Access Group.

The survey reveals that average salaries in contract catering rose 10% this year, the only sector to rise, while salaries in full-service restaurants dropped 7%, and fell 13.6% in fast food, cafés and street food outlets (see below for full breakdown of salaries per sector).

The survey results show a decrease in pay across the main job roles, with the exception of those at director level whose average salaries have risen, and chefs, whose salaries have remained stable.

Those in front of house positions report the biggest drop, from £24,332 in 2024 to £21,276 in 2025.

Looking at salaries by experience reveals a decrease across all levels, with those at mid-career in terms of experience, and at senior level showing the least impact. By age, those aged 36-54 were the most impacted by decreases, falling from an average of £40,036 in 2024, to £39,133 in 2025.

While salary ranks as the most important employee benefit, holiday entitlement, training & development sessions, flexible hours, bonus/tips and mentoring were also considered important to respondents.

“Employers must consider the whole package as increasingly employees are looking for more than just a salary in order to provide them with job satisfaction,” commented Anthony Tattersall, General Manager, Hospitality, at The Access Group. “This year we have seen an increase in the relative importance of bonus/tips and shared parental leave with a decrease in importance of mentoring, dining discounts and counselling.”

The annual survey reveals that not all benefits are important to employees, even if they have access to them. Respondents showed they were more likely to make use of any training and development sessions offered, as well as flexible hours and team building activities but fewer employees were making use of counselling services, shared parental leave, subsidised gym membership and on site accommodation.

“Hospitality remains a sector built on people, passion, and adaptability. The industry must now focus on balancing competitive wages with career growth, culture, and innovation. Those who invest in retention strategies, rethink benefits, and embrace technology will emerge stronger, ensuring that hospitality continues to thrive in 2025 and beyond,” concluded Tattersall.