SOC 1223 Other managers and proprietors

Publicans and managers of licensed premises Salary

Median salary £37,427 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For publicans and managers of licensed premises, £38,043 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -3.0% versus the national average.

About this role

Publicans and managers of licensed premises run pubs, bars, clubs and other licensed venues. They manage all aspects of the business including licensing compliance, staff management, stock control, customer experience, food and drink service, and entertainment programming.

Key responsibilities

Managing day-to-day operations of licensed premises
Ensuring compliance with licensing laws and regulations
Managing staff recruitment, training and scheduling
Controlling stock, ordering and managing supplier relationships
Creating a welcoming atmosphere and managing customer experience

Qualifications and entry routes

A personal licence (APLH qualification) is required to authorise alcohol sales. No formal degree is necessary, though hospitality management qualifications are beneficial. Significant practical experience in licensed trade is essential.

Career outlook

The pub sector faces ongoing challenges from changing consumer habits and cost pressures. Well-managed food-led and community-focused pubs continue to perform well.

Key skills

Licensing knowledge People management Stock control Customer service Business management

Common industries

Pubs
Bars and nightclubs
Breweries with tied houses
Hotel bars
Social clubs

Data coverage

SOC code 1223

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£37,427

Mean Salary

£39,795

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £30,094Median: £37,427

P10: --P25: £30kMedian: £37kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£30,094

0-2 years

Mid Level

£30,094

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +90.8%Real growth: +38.2%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: -0.8%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£37,427

Full-time Only

£38,043

Full-time premium: +£616

Publicans and managers of licensed premises salary: common questions

How much do publicans and managers of licensed premises earn in the UK?

Publicans and managers of licensed premises earn a median of £38,043 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £38,043 a good salary in the UK?

For publicans and managers of licensed premises, £38,043 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -3.0% versus the national average.

What is the starting salary for publicans and managers of licensed premises?

Entry-level publicans and managers of licensed premises typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £30,094, though this varies by employer and region.

Have publicans and managers of licensed premises salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median publicans and managers of licensed premises pay has risen from £20,974 to £38,043 — +81% in cash terms, or +31% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for publicans and managers of licensed premises?

Male publicans and managers of licensed premises earn a median £36,767 and female publicans and managers of licensed premises £37,069 — a gap of +1.0% in 2025 in women’s favour.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).