Your salary in the hotel industry & Gastronomy
What do you really earn in the hotel industry & Gastronomy?
Hotels and restaurants are not industries for half measures. Anyone who works in this sector is right in the middle of the action: in full service, in the kitchen under high pressure, at reception with direct guest contact. But passion alone does not pay the rent. You've probably asked yourself the same question: What do I actually earn in the hotel and catering industry?
On Hogastjob you will find concrete insights into various occupational groups.
Salary in the hotel and catering industry - the facts at a glance
- Payment is based on the collective agreement for the hotel and catering industry.
- There are clear minimum salaries depending on the position and qualifications.
- In Austria, you will usually receive an additional 13. and 14. salary.
- Tips can significantly increase your income and are divided fairly between all professional groups in most establishments.
- Region, season and company size influence your actual salary.
- Your earnings will also increase with further training and more responsibility.
- Please note: If you are looking for a job abroad, you can often expect completely different salary structures and conditions.
Hotel industry salary table & Gastronomy Austria 2026
In Austria, the collective agreement for the hotel and catering industry forms the basis for the payment of workers and employees. It sets binding minimum salaries, with each federal state having its own salary scale. Your actual salary depends on your qualifications. Income can also vary greatly depending on the region. You will also receive bonuses for working on public holidays and at night.
The wage group (LG) or employment group (BG) and your professional experience (BJ) determine your minimum salary. The following overview shows which wage group/employment group belongs to which profession.
*All information without guarantee.
Wage groups for workers in the catering and hotel industry
Auxiliary staff with less than 10 years' experience in the sector: auxiliary staff in all areas, housekeeping staff, etc.
Workers who have not successfully completed an apprenticeship or have at least 10 years' experience in the industry: assistants in all areas, housekeeping workers, etc.
Skilled workers who have completed an apprenticeship: restaurant specialists, chefs, service staff, catering specialists, wellness specialists, etc.
Qualified workers with extended areas of responsibility: restaurant chef deputy, chef de cuisine deputy, chef de rang, chef de partie, bar manager, housekeeping manager, etc.
Qualified workers with a wide range of responsibilities: restaurant chef, restaurant manager, head chef, etc.
Employment group for employees in the catering and hotel industry
Support staff with less than 10 years of industry experience in all areas
Employees without a successful final apprenticeship examination or at least 10 years of industry experience
Employees who have completed an apprenticeship: specialists in accounting, payroll accounting, secretarial services, reservation clerks, marketing assistants, hotel assistants, receptionists, entertainment staff, etc.
Employees with extended areas of responsibility: deputy head of department, responsible for food and beverage or housekeeping, balance sheet accounting
Employees with a large area of responsibility: staff with a management function in accounting, reception or in the commercial restaurant area, marketing, personnel or housekeeping
Employees who are entrusted with the management: Managing director, hotel manager
Salaries by profession in the hotel and catering industry
How much you actually earn depends largely on your profession. Whether kitchen, service, reception, housekeeping or management: each position has its own salary range, development opportunities and benefits.
How much does a chef earn in Austria?
The kitchen offers many opportunities to advance your career. With each career level, not only does your area of responsibility grow, but also your income.
- Starting salary with apprenticeship certificate: approx. 29.000 € gross per year
- Sous-chef: 32.000-44.000 € gross per year
- Head chef: 35.000-70.000 gross per year
- Top chef: over € 100.000 gross per year
How much do you earn as a service employee in Austria?
In service, you are the face of the establishment. You advise, recommend, coordinate and make a significant contribution to whether guests return. Your role in the team is correspondingly important.
- Restaurant specialist: approx. 26.000-30.000 € gross per year
- Chef de Rang: approx. 33.000-37.000 gross per year
- Restaurant manager: from € 35.000 gross per year, significantly more depending on the company
How much do you earn at the reception desk in a hotel?
All the threads come together at reception. Check-in, check-out, guest requests, complaints, organization - in this area you need an overview, strong communication skills and often also foreign language skills.
- Receptionist: approx. 30.000-35.000 gross per year
- Reception manager: from € 34.000 gross per year, depending on the company more
How much do you earn in housekeeping in Austria?
No hotel can run without housekeeping. Cleanliness, tidiness and quality in detail determine whether guests feel comfortable. This is precisely why this area is so central to the entire operation.
- Housekeeping employee: approx. 28.000-33.000 gross per year
- Head of housekeeping: from € 34.000 gross per year, depending on the company more
How much do you earn in administration and in the back office in the hotel and catering industry?
In administration and management, everything revolves around numbers, personnel and structure. Whether HR, accounting, marketing or controlling: you ensure order and maintain the flow of information.
- Employees in HR, marketing, back office: approx. 30.000-35.000 gross per year
- Management function: from € 35.000 gross per year, more depending on area of responsibility
- Hotel director or management: from € 38.000 gross per year, depending on area of responsibility more
How much do you earn as a spa employee in a hotel?
Spa, cosmetics, massage or fitness services are often a central figurehead today and qualified specialists are in high demand. Those who have a sound education or offer several treatments can significantly improve their earning potential.
- Employees in the spa area: approx. 30.000-34.000 gross per year, more depending on specialization or additional qualifications
- Spa manager: from € 33.000 gross per year, more depending on the company
Gross, net and cost of living - what's really left?
Salaries are normally stated in gross amounts. How much of this actually ends up in your account depends on taxes and social security contributions. You can get a precise overview with the gross-net calculator from the Chamber of Labor.
Your cost of living is at least as important. For example, rents can be higher in tourist regions than in rural areas. Many companies therefore offer benefits such as free board and lodging, which have a noticeably positive effect on your salary.
Tip: We regularly present top employers with great benefits in our Hogastjob blog!
Good to know: How important is tipping?
Tipping often plays a major role in the hotel and catering industry. Especially in service, it can significantly increase your monthly income.
But what about your colleagues who don't work in service? In many hotels, tips are now shared fairly within the team. This means that the kitchen and reception also benefit.
Good to know: Since January 2026, the new regulation for the flat-rate tip applies in Austria. This means that tips will continue to be exempt from income tax as long as they come voluntarily and directly from the guest.
Working abroad - how much you earn
Many people who work in the hotel or catering industry sooner or later think about moving abroad. Bavaria and South Tyrol are particularly popular. Both regions are close to Austria and offer exciting career opportunities.
Working in Bavaria
In Germany, there is no collective agreement as in Austria, but rather collective agreements or individual agreements.
This can mean
- partly higher gross salaries
- but also other deductions and social security models
- different regulations for working hours
Working in South Tyrol
In South Tyrol, you benefit from both Austrian charm and Italian flair. Italian employment law applies, but the companies are often strongly influenced by the German-speaking market. Nevertheless, if you speak fluent Italian, you have a clear advantage.
You can be prepared for that:
- partially different wage structures
- strong demand in the high season
- international guest structure
Frequently asked questions about salaries in the hotel and catering industry
Depending on the position, the gross monthly salary is usually between around 1.900 and 3.000 euros. The minimum wage is regulated in the collective agreement and is based on your skills, training and the region in which you would like to work.
Yes, there are two additional special payments in Austria - vacation pay and Christmas bonus. They are regulated in the collective agreement and are a fixed part of your income.
Yes, tips can significantly increase your income, especially in busy establishments. However, it remains voluntary and cannot be fixed.
Many companies are looking for motivated employees - even without traditional training. With commitment and further training, you can quickly open up new career opportunities.
Conclusion: More than just a paycheck
Yes, the salary is important. It gives you security, predictability and perspective. But the hotel and catering industry is about more than just numbers. You work with people, develop personally and take on responsibility. If you show commitment and continue your training, you can increase your income step by step.
Are you ready to take your career and salary to the next level? Then take a look at our numerous job vacancies and apply easily online via Hogastjob!
