So, you have a passion for food, a knack for making people feel welcome, and the energy to thrive in a fast-paced environment…
Hospitality and catering offers a range of dynamic career paths that rarely involves sitting behind a desk all day. Whether you love the heat of the kitchen or the buzz of a busy dining room, this sector provides plenty of opportunities to build a rewarding career.
We’ve analysed the latest Reed.co.uk salary data* to uncover the best-paying roles in the sector right now. If you want to take your earnings to the next level, here is what you need to know:
Key takeaways from this article
- Events management leads the way, offering the highest average salary at £42,884.
- Skilled roles like Chef de Partie and Barista offer great prospects - with Chef de Partie roles averaging £35,970 and Baristas averaging £34,712.
- Operational and support roles keep the sector thriving. From Housekeepers (£30,266) to Kitchen Staff (£28,489) and Waiting/Bar Staff (£25,888), every role is vital for delivering great service and ensuring venues run efficiently.
Top 10 highest paid hospitality and catering jobs
1. Events Manager
Average salary: £42,884
Event Managers are the planners, fixers, and creative masterminds behind everything from weddings to major conferences. They coordinate suppliers, venues, and teams to make sure every event runs smoothly. In a sector that never stands still, their skills are in demand - and their salaries reflect it.
Browse all Events Management jobs
How to become an Event Manager
2. Restaurant Manager
Average salary: £42,349
Restaurant Managers oversee everything from front-of-house service to back-office administration. You keep the customers happy, the staff motivated, and the profits healthy. It requires stamina, incredible people skills, and the ability to solve problems on the fly.
Browse all Restaurant Manager jobs
How to become a Restaurant Manager
3. Sous-chef
Average salary: £37,262
The Sous-chef is the trusted second-in-command in the kitchen. They oversee daily operations, support the head chef, and make sure every dish meets the highest standards - even when things get frantic during the dinner rush. Without a great sous-chef, even the best kitchens would grind to a halt.
4. Assistant Manager
Average salary: £36,073
Assistant Managers are the all-rounders you can count on. They support the smooth running of restaurants, hotels, or bars - handling everything from staff rotas to customer complaints. It’s the perfect training ground for those aiming to move into senior management.
Browse all Assistant Manager jobs
5. Chef de Partie
Average salary: £35,970
A Chef de Partie runs a specific section of the kitchen - think grill, pastry, or fish. These specialists keep everything on track, making sure their area turns out top-notch dishes every time. It's a go-to role for developing technical skills and moving up the culinary ladder.
Browse all Chef de Partie jobs
How to become a Chef de Partie
6. Barista
Average salary: £34,712
Baristas are the friendly faces behind your morning flat white. They know their beans from their machines, consistently serving up quality coffee and building rapport with customers. In cafes and coffee shops everywhere, a skilled Barista is the heart of the operation.
7. Housekeeper
Average salary: £30,266
Housekeepers are vital for guest satisfaction. They keep hotels, resorts, and event spaces spotless, ensuring every guest’s first impression is a good one. Attention to detail and reliability are a must in this role, which offers both responsibility and a steady income.
8. Kitchen Staff
Average salary: £28,489
From prep cooks to line cooks, kitchen staff members are the backbone of every food operation. They make sure ingredients are ready and orders get out fast - especially when things heat up. It’s tough work, but it provides a solid foundation for anyone keen to build a kitchen career.
9. Waiting & Bar Staff
Average salary: £25,888
Waiting and bar staff are the front-line team that keeps guests happy and coming back. From taking orders to mixing drinks and delivering service with a smile, they bring the hospitality experience to life every day. If you’ve ever felt welcome the moment you walked in, you have this crew to thank.
Browse all Waiting & Bar Staff jobs
What affects hospitality and catering salaries?
Your base pay often depends on a few key factors:
Venue type
Working at a local pub pays differently than working at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a luxury five-star hotel. High-end venues demand a higher level of expertise and generally offer higher salaries (and better tips) to match.
Experience
A Commis Chef earns less than a Head Chef. As you master your craft, build your speed, and take on leadership responsibilities, your earning potential will naturally increase.
Location
Major cities, particularly London, offer higher wages to offset the cost of living. Tourist hotspots also tend to pay well during peak seasons to attract top talent.
Tips and service charge
Never underestimate the power of a good service charge, known as the 'Tronc' system. In many front-of-house roles, tips can boost your take-home pay by thousands of pounds a year.
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How to boost your earning potential in hospitality and catering
Ready to earn more? Here is the recipe for success:
Upskill and specialise - Learn the skills that venues desperately need. If you’re a bartender, take a mixology course. If you work in the kitchen, learn pastry or butchery. Specialist skills always command higher pay.
Step into management - The biggest salary leaps happen when you take responsibility for other people. Gain experience by asking to shadow your manager, learning how to do the weekly rota, and understanding the venue's profit margins.
Move to premium venues - Once you have a few years of experience, look for opportunities in fine dining, luxury hotels, or corporate contract catering. These sectors have larger budgets and offer better long-term salary progression.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need qualifications to work in hospitality?
For many roles, attitude and work ethic matter far more than formal qualifications. You can start as a Kitchen Porter or Waiter with absolutely no experience. However, specialized roles like chefs often require culinary diplomas or NVQs.
Is it a stressful sector to work in?
It can be. Friday night dinner services are notoriously fast-paced. But for people who thrive on adrenaline, that buzz is exactly why they love the job. Good teamwork makes the pressure manageable.
Are the hours always unsociable?
Not necessarily. While restaurants and bars require evening and weekend work, sectors like contract catering (feeding office workers) or cafes often offer standard daytime hours.
Can I make a long-term career out of hospitality?
Absolutely. Many General Managers, Executive Chefs, and Operations Directors started their careers washing dishes or serving tables. The sector heavily rewards loyalty and hard work.
Why have salaries for Waiting and Bar Staff increased so much?
The sector experiences seasonal peaks, and venues often increase pay rates dramatically to attract staff quickly before busy periods. The competition for reliable front-of-house staff also remains fierce, which drives wages up.
Ready to get started in hospitality and catering? Browse all Hospitality and Catering jobs on Reed.co.uk
*Data source: Reed.co.uk job postings for the 30-day period ending 5 May 2026. Salaries are averages and may vary based on location, experience, and employer. For the most up-to-date salary information for specific roles, use our salary checker tool.
