Contract catering salaries defy industry trend to rise 10% 

Contract catering was the only area of hospitality which saw a rise in average salaries over the past year.

Average pay in the contract catering sector jumped 10% between 2024-2025 from £32,806 to £36,237, according to the UK’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2025.

This was despite salaries across the wider hospitality industry dropping by an average of 10.3% over the past year.

Pay in hotels saw the steepest decline, dropping 16.9% from £44,830 to £37,270.

The average salary in full-service restaurants dropped 7% to £37,372, fell 10% in bars and pubs to £35,328, and was down 13.6% in fast food venues and cafes to £32,600.

The study of 570 people across a range of ages, sectors and job types found those at director level were an exception to the trend and had seen a rise in their average pay.

Chef salaries remained stable but average pay for front of house positions dropped from £24,332 to £21,276.

The study, run by Hospitality Jobs UK and KAM Insights in partnership with the Access Group, found those aged 36-54 were the most impacted, with average salaries dropping from £40,036 in 2024 to £39,133 in 2025.

While respondents said pay was the most important benefit, holiday entitlement, training and development sessions, flexible hours, bonuses and tips and mentoring were also considered important.

The survey found that not all benefits were important to employees, even if they had access to them. Respondents said they were more likely to make use of any training and development sessions, 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.

“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,” said 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.

“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.”

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