Catering and bar managers Salary
Median salary £27,888 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Catering and bar managers oversee food and beverage service operations in restaurants, bars, hotels, pubs and event venues. They manage staff, service quality, stock, compliance and customer experience to deliver profitable hospitality operations.
Key responsibilities
- Managing front-of-house service operations
- Recruiting, training and supervising service staff
- Managing stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
- Ensuring compliance with licensing, food safety and health regulations
- Monitoring financial performance and controlling costs
Qualifications and entry routes
Significant hospitality experience is essential. Personal Licence holder qualification (APLH) is required for licensing. Level 3+ hospitality management qualifications, Food Safety Level 3 and First Aid are standard.
Career outlook
Persistent staffing challenges in hospitality create opportunities for experienced managers. Food-led venues and experiential hospitality are growth areas.
Key skills
Common industries
- Restaurants
- Pubs and bars
- Hotels
- Event venues
- Contract catering
Data coverage
Median Salary
£27,888
Mean Salary
£28,408
Jobs (000s)
37k
Data Years
11 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£14,404
0-2 years
Mid Level
£21,618
3-7 years
Senior
£35,261
8-15 years
Potential career growth: +145% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 14.2%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£27,888
Full-time Only
£29,789
Full-time premium: +£1,901
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