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SOC 5436 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

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

Service management Staff leadership Licensing knowledge Financial control Customer experience

Common industries

  • Restaurants
  • Pubs and bars
  • Hotels
  • Event venues
  • Contract catering

Data coverage

SOC code 5436
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025
Estimated jobs 37,000

Median Salary

£27,888

Mean Salary

£28,408

Jobs (000s)

37k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £21,618Median: £27,888P75: £35,261
P10: £14kP25: £22kMedian: £28kP75: £35kP90: --

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)

Nominal growth: +55.2%Real growth: +12.3%

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