Let’s talk about pay. It’s one of the trickiest – and let’s be honest, the touchiest – subjects in hospitality. Workers feel it’s too low, employers say their wage bills are sky-high, and meeting in the middle everyone’s feeling the squeeze. It’s a lot to untangle. And because it’s about money – and by extension, how we live and feel valued – it’s deeply emotional.

The big question that tends to pop up is this: “Am I being paid fairly?” Sounds simple, right? But when you dig into it, it’s anything but. Answering it isn’t just about comparing your salary to an industry average. It’s about looking at the bigger picture: what’s realistic for your employer to offer, and what’s practical and meaningful for you. Employers need to figure out what they can afford and what perks they can throw into the mix. Meanwhile, you – whether you’re a chef, manager, or bartender – have to assess whether what they’re offering works for your life right now. Does the pay make sense? Are the benefits actually, well, beneficial?

And by “benefits,” we don’t mean just the gym memberships or meal discounts (although those are nice to have). We’re talking about the bigger impact: how your job supports your goals, your lifestyle, and the person you want to become. For example, if earning the most money possible is your top priority, does that need to happen immediately? Or could taking a slightly lower-paying role that builds your skills pay off down the line? If work-life balance matters most, would a smaller, independent establishment with great culture be worth a smaller pay packet?

The dream? A brimming bank account, constant personal growth, and a workplace culture that fits like a glove. The reality? Hospitality is an incredibly diverse industry, and both companies and individuals come with unique needs, priorities, and limitations. This guide isn’t about telling you how much you should get paid but helping you work out what you personally might aim for, depending on where you are in your career and what matters most to YOU.

Starting Out: Build Skills, Not Bank Accounts

At the beginning your focus should be on soaking up as much knowledge and experience as possible. Like many creative professions, it’s a tough reality that the pay early on in your career might not be on a level with your peers in other industries – and that really sucks. But the skills you’re learning at this stage will pave the way for bigger opportunities later.

Why Skills Matter More Than Pay at First

This is your moment to build foundations: the more experience you get, the more names you have on your CV, the more value you command further down the line. Take this moment to really consider what skills you want to acquire, whether you want a real range or whether you want to specialise and get really incredible in one field. Try out a range of different company types to see what really works for you. Each offers unique lessons, from the precision of a Michelin-starred kitchen to the adaptability required in a small, family-run business. These experiences shape your skillset and reveal what types of environments energise you.

HOT TIP: Consider avoiding limiting yourself to one style or niche too early. Breadth of experience in your early years can give you more flexibility and bargaining power later – but make sure you give each place a proper go! CVs that show just a month or two at each place can be a turn-off for employers, and you might not learn enough to know whether it’s for you or not.

Mentorship is Gold Dust

Finding a workplace where people want to teach you is a game-changer. A great mentor can change everything. Mentors guide you through challenges, introduce you to their networks, and teach you things no job description ever mentions. When seeking your first few roles, look for workplaces that prioritise teaching and mentorship. Employers who invest in your growth are more likely to help you succeed. “In this industry, skills are currency, and connections are your treasure map.”

Mid-Career: Balancing Pay with Personal Growth

Your goals and priorities are likely to look different now. Maybe you’re saving for a house, starting a family, or just want to feel like your hard work is reflected in your paycheck. Once you’ve got that first experience under your belt, your priorities might start to shift. You’ve honed your skills, your CV is looking good, and now it’s about working out how (or whether!) to balance earning more with loving what you do.

REALITY CHECK: Consider whether you’ve hit a learning plateau. If you’re not growing in your current role AND the pay isn’t stellar, it might be time to move on to a position that rewards your expertise appropriately, or teaches you more!

Why Culture Still Matters

At any stage of your career chasing money at the expense of everything else can be a slippery slope. There will be times when that really might be your priority, and if you go into it with open eyes and a goal in mind that might be right for you. But at (most) other times, if your workplace is toxic, the stress and burnout can end up costing you more than a fat paycheck is worth. Sometimes, a slightly lower-paying job in a healthier, happier environment is the better long-term move.

REALITY CHECK: At this stage, it’s all about balance. Ask yourself: “What do I really need right now? More money? A better culture? More skills growth? Or all of this?” then try to act on that, rather than getting stuck somewhere which doesn’t truly serve your goals.

Advanced Careers: Leadership, Ownership and Legacy

Let’s be real: if you’ve spent years mastering your craft and building a reputation, it’s fair to expect compensation which reflects that. Don’t be shy! But also – be realistic, and that realism works both ways. Not only should you understand your worth, you should also understand the realistic capacity of your employer. If you feel that the company you’re working for can’t pay top dollar, could you look at perks like equity, profit-sharing, or a share of the business’s success? Or is it time to move on?

Prioritising Legacy and Fulfilment

For some though this stage is less about money and more about making a mark. Whether that means opening your own place, creating a stellar team culture which is the talk of the industry, or mentoring the next generation, the satisfaction of leaving a legacy can sometimes outweigh a massive salary. Have a think about what is going to be truly meaningful to you and your values. 

As industry veteran and Harrods Head Pastry Chef Phil Khoury said in our interview about pay and career progression, “Being in my position has led to countless job offers that are far better paying (some beyond all my expectations) but even now I am not chasing the best paying position. There’s so much more to be excited about – the PEOPLE you get to work with, the food you get to make, or where the existing opportunity can take you.”

Practical Tips for Every Career Stage

No matter where you are in your journey, here are some tips to make sure you’re on the right track:

• Know Your Worth: Use tools like Countertalk, Glassdoor, or industry networks to understand fair pay for your role and location, but acknowledge also that fair compensation goes beyond a paycheck. Figure out what worth means to YOU.

• Think Beyond Money: Evaluate benefits like healthcare, time off, or professional development opportunities. They add up!

• Align with Your Goals: Ask yourself whether each job supports your 5- or 10-year plan, or if it’s just a paycheck.

• Negotiate Wisely: Don’t just focus on salary – be realistic about your employer’s capacity, and think about perks, flexibility, and growth opportunities when negotiating.

• Check Your Balance: A high salary is great, but not if it costs you your mental health or personal time.

At the end of the day there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of pay. But by thinking strategically and focusing on what matters most to you, you can make decisions that support your career—and your life—in the best possible way.