We are pleased to share with you the results of our 2025 Remuneration Survey, in collaboration with Hotel Council Aotearoa.
Key takeaway figures from the remuneration survey are:
- The average hourly wage in hospitality is $27.84. The average hourly wage has risen 2.5% from 2024 to 2025 ($27.15 to $27.84).
- Queenstown/Southern Lakes paid the most above the industry’s average hourly wage, paying an average of $28.51 per hour, 2.4% above the national average.
- The average salary in hospitality is $83,415. Overall salaries increased by 0.5% from 2024 to 2025 ($82,999 to $83,415).
- Gisborne/East Cape paid the highest salary of the regions, an average of $105,400 or 26.3% above the national salary average.
- Broadly across divisions within our sector, kitchen roles have an average hourly rate of $29.77, front of house has an average rate of $28.67 and accommodation roles have an average hourly rate of $30.82.
- The highest hourly paid roles in the industry this year include staff working in catering, bars, and coffee houses. Caterers paid an average of 18.4% ($32.95) above the average industry hourly wage, while Bars and Coffee Houses paid an average of 11.0% ($30.90) and 8.8% ($30.30) above the national average respectively.
The remuneration survey pivot tables, helping you benchmark wages in your area, are a member only resource, and can be found below.