UK median monthly pay: accommodation and food services
UK median monthly pay: accommodation and food services stood at £1,445 in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Pay and employment from PAYE table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jul 2014 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Pay and employment from PAYE table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median monthly pay by industry | |||||||||||
| I — Accommodation and food service activities | 1,445 | 1,448 | 1,433 | 1,430 | 1,426 | 1,432 | 1,422 | 1,414 | 1,412 | 1,402 | |
| J — Information and communication | 4,145 | 4,141 | 4,121 | 4,104 | 4,090 | 4,068 | 4,043 | 4,032 | 4,004 | 3,998 |
Understanding UK median monthly pay: accommodation and food services
Midpoint monthly earnings computed from real-time tax data for employees across the United Kingdom working in hotels, restaurants, pubs, catering facilities, and holiday camps. The calculation captures wages paid by hospitality enterprises, distinguishing hospitality staff from retail assistants or arts and entertainment personnel. The distribution reflects a high concentration of hospitality workers on hourly rates and variable shift patterns, making the median sensitive to changes in minimum wage legislation and tourist seasons.
Examining the data requires comparing figures against the same period twelve months prior, as consecutive monthly movements are heavily distorted by summer tourism surges and winter closures. Initial estimates are routinely revised as hospitality businesses process delayed payroll updates. Researchers comparing this sector with other industries should note the frequent use of split shifts and hospitality service charges that may alter reported gross pay.
Frequently asked questions
- How do tourist seasons impact accommodation and food service pay data?
- Summer peaks in tourism generate large inflows of seasonal staff, which alters the monthly wage distribution.
- Why are year-on-year comparisons necessary for this sector?
- Annual comparisons remove the strong cyclical impact of holiday seasons and weather-dependent hospitality demand.
- Are tips included in this median monthly pay figure?
- Only troncs and gratuities processed directly through formal company payroll systems are counted.