Hospitality staff happier at work despite pay squeeze, survey finds

Employee satisfaction within hospitality has risen, despite salaries in the industry having decreased with the exception of hotels, according to the Access Hospitality’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2024.

The salary survey, which was conducted in January and February with 1,328 respondents across a range of ages and job types within hospitality, revealed that 37% reported earning less than £30k – an increase from 30% in 2023. 

However, the amount of people earning over £60k rose from 13% last year to 16% in 2024. 

According to the survey, there has been an overall decrease in salary levels across most parts of hospitality, with the exception of hotels where average salaries have risen from £42.1k to £44.8k. 

Meanwhile, the average salary in fast food venues and cafes has dropped this year from £42.7k to £37k; from £41.2k to £40.2k in full service restaurants; and from £41.2k to £40.2k in pubs, clubs and bars.   

The survey found a decrease in salaries across the main job roles, with the exception of general management, and a decrease for employees at mid-career level and lower, compared with an increase in average salaries for those with over 13 years of experience.

Respondents have reported a sharp decrease in pay for 16 to 18-year-olds, but an increase for those from 19 to 21 and an increase for salaries for 36 to 54-year-olds.

Finally, employee satisfaction amongst respondents had risen, with the number of workers reporting a healthy work/life balance up from 51% in 2023 to 59% this year. 

Some 69% of workers also reported being happy in their current roles, up from 62%, while 62% expect to be working for the same company in 12 months time, up from 54%. 

Some 82% of employees also said they would recommend a career in hospitality, compared with 74% that would have done so last year.

While receiving a fair salary remains the most important benefit cited by employees, the survey reveals employees are placing more emphasis on other benefits including holiday entitlement (92%); training and development sessions (88%); flexible hours (83%); and mentoring (75%). 

Jamie Campbell, director of learning at Access Hospitality, said: “It seems the UK’s hospitality sector has worked at improving those areas it was traditionally weaker on – so training and additional benefits. 

“While there has been a slight decrease in average salaries across most sectors, improved employee benefits are going some way to make up for this prompting more employees to be happier in their work. It’s vital this continues in order to retain and attract staff going forward.”