Hospitality

The hospitality sector welcomes and looks after guests. It includes restaurants, cafés, bars, catering services, and leisure facilities, providing food, drinks, and enjoyable experiences for customers.

Careers in Hospitality

The Hospitality sector offers lots of different career opportunities focused on welcoming and serving guests. It is a great place to work if you enjoy working with people, being part of a team, and creating positive experiences. You could work as a chef, waiter, barista, catering assistant, or hospitality manager. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by helping people relax, celebrate, and enjoy their time with others.

A customer and swimmer talk at Bristol Lido.
Image credit: Destination Bristol
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Hospitality

Hospitality offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Salary ranges are based on job adverts from August 2026 and can vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, and location. It may take time to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to the next career level and salary range.

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Entry Level roles may range from £11,000 to £25,000 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £28,000 to £35,500 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £40,000 to £46,000 a year.
Careers in Hospitality

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in hospitality, from serving customers, to event planning, and leadership jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Barista

Salary: £19,000 to £24,000

Entry Level
Waiter

Salary: £17,000 to £27,000

Intermediate
Chef

Salary: £22,000 to £40,000

Intermediate
Wedding Planner

Salary: £21,000 to £34,000

Advanced
Restaurant Manager

Salary: £26,000 to £40,000

Advanced
Pub Landlord

Salary: £27,000 to £50,000

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Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in hospitality.

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Top Skills

  • Customer Service: Creating a positive experience for guests and customers.
  • Teamwork: Working well with others to deliver excellent service.
  • Organisation: Managing tasks, bookings and priorities effectively.
  • Communication: Sharing information clearly with customers and colleagues.
  • Active Listening: Understanding customer requests and responding to their needs.
  • Time Management: Completing tasks efficiently, especially during busy periods.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring high standards of service, cleanliness and presentation.
  • Problem-solving: Resolving customer concerns and unexpected challenges quickly.
  • Food Safety: Following hygiene procedures to prepare and serve food safely.
  • Event Coordination: Organising activities, bookings and events to run smoothly.
  • Hospitality Management: Overseeing operations, staff and customer experience.
  • Booking and Reservation Systems: Using digital systems to manage customer bookings.
  • Food and Beverage Service: Serving food and drinks professionally and efficiently.
  • Barista and Beverage Preparation: Preparing drinks to the required standard.
  • Cash Handling and Payments: Processing transactions accurately.
  • Friendly: Making customers feel welcome and comfortable.
  • Positive: Bringing energy and enthusiasm to the workplace.
  • Approachable: Being easy to talk to and willing to help.
  • Patient: Remaining calm and professional when dealing with requests or complaints.
  • Adaptable: Responding well to changing customer needs and busy environments.
  • Confident: Feeling comfortable interacting with customers and handling responsibilities.
  • Helpful: Looking for ways to support customers and colleagues.
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

View Poster

Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in hospitality, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like working with customers, being creative, and making a difference, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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