A New Era for the Salary Scale in the Hospitality and Catering Sector in 2025
In the current context, marked by a gradual economic recovery and an intensification of labor negotiations, the salary scale for Agreement 3261 concerning hotels, cafes, and restaurants (HCR) is undergoing significant changes. The collective agreement, an essential reference for this rapidly changing sector, now sets more accessible minimum wages while aligning compensation with the cost of living. Kevin Grillot, an expert in human resources management in the hospitality and catering sectors, emphasizes that these adjustments are not only intended to ensure decent pay, but also to strengthen staff retention in the face of increasing competition and challenges related to talent shortages. The implementation of this new scale, effective since December 2024, should allow employers to better structure their salary policy. For anyone working in this sector or wishing to enter it, understanding these developments is essential for negotiating, planning, or simply assessing a salary tailored to their position and experience. Discover our comprehensive guide to the salary scale: learn how it’s defined, its importance to employees and employers, and how it influences compensation in different sectors. Learn about current trends and best practices for navigating the world of salaries.
Since 2024, the reform of minimum wages in the hospitality sector has been based on a revised salary scale to reflect the economic and social context. The new agreement, published following the official extension on November 9, 2024, governs each profession with precise scales by step and level. Particular attention has been paid to minimum wages in gross euros, calculated for 35 hours per week or 151.67 hours per month. Understanding this scale is essential for all stakeholders. It defines, in particular:
Minimum wages by position and seniority
- Wage gaps according to qualifications: server, cook, receptionist, etc.
- Calculation methods by level (I to V)
- Conditions of scraping/lart-de-la-data-a-votre-portee-comment-le-web-scraping-peut-transformer-votre-entreprise/">application in each establishment
- What distinguishes this update is increased progression for beginners and an increase in remuneration for experienced employees. By strictly applying these minimum wages, employers comply with the legislation while valuing their staff. The pay slip must clearly show the grade and level assigned to the employee, otherwise it may be contested. For more information on how to understand this scale, you can consult this guide on managing the salary scale.
Grades and Levels: A Clear Hierarchy for Fair Pay Deciphering the salary scale first means understanding the role of grades and levels. The new scale classifiesprofessions into several categories, from
Level I to Level V
, to better reflect the complexity of the position and seniority. For example, a junior server can start at Level I with a minimum salary of €12.00, while an experienced front of house manager can earn €21.78 at Grade 2.
Grade Level ILevel II
| Level III | Level IV | Level V | Grade 1 | €12.00 | €12.28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| €13.32 | €14.40 | €18.43 | Grade 2 | €12.08 | €12.55 |
| €13.54 | €14.77 | €21.78 | Grade 3 | €12.18 | €13.17 |
| €14.00 | €15.40 | €28.12 | What is the salary of an employee in the HCR in 2025? | An employee working in a hotel, café, or restaurant in 2025 should use this scale to determine their minimum entitlements. Salary depends on the position, experience, and seniority, as well as the specific sector in which they work. The majority of employees concerned, including waiters, cooks, receptionists, and room attendants, now benefit from clear and regulated compensation. For certain key positions, such as head chef or front of house manager, the salary scale provides for gross hourly wages of up to €28.12 for the highest levels. However, it should be remembered that these minimums remain basic. Many establishments offer bonuses and individual increases, in accordance with the collective agreement. You can consult this specific salary scale to learn more about these amounts. | Factors influencing compensation in the hospitality sector |
The main elements that influence the amount of compensation are:
Position held: chef, waitress, receptionist, bartender, etc.
Experience and seniority: the more experience you have, the more your salary increases. Geographic location: in a major tourist city, compensation can reach new heights. Responsibilities assumed: team management, organization, etc.
Establishment agreements and specific bonuses
Practical implementation of the salary scale: advice for employers and employees
- Establishing compensation in accordance with Convention 3261 in a HCR facility requires rigor and knowledge. For employers, it is essential to verify that each pay slip includes each employee’s grade and level, in accordance with the pay scale. In the event of uncertainty or error, consulting the collective bargaining agreement or discussing with the unions becomes essential. A recommended practice is to integrate the pay scale into the recruitment process to define salary expectations from the outset.
- Employees, for their part, must keep track of their pay slip, verify their classification, and, if necessary, contact their union representatives to request an update or correction. Transparency is the best defense against misunderstanding or abuse. More information on this process can be found in this practical salary management guide. Practices to adopt for fair and compliant compensation
- To ensure full compliance with the HCR salary scale:
- Regularly update the salary policy according to legislative changes
- Train HR managers on the proper scraping/lart-de-la-data-a-votre-portee-comment-le-web-scraping-peut-transformer-votre-entreprise/">application of the scale
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Ensure transparency in the communication of scales and rights
Systematically verify that each pay slip complies with the classification
Engage in social dialogue to adjust compensation based on performance and seniority Frequently asked questions about the salary scale in the HCR sector in 2025What minimum hourly amount should I receive in 2025 in this sector?
The minimum hourly wage set by the collective agreement is €12.00. In practice, it may fluctuate depending on the classification, but it must never fall below the hourly minimum wage.
How do I know if my salary complies with the current salary scale?
- You should check your pay slip to ensure the grade and level are clearly indicated. If in doubt, consult the official pay scale on Kevin Grillot’s website or contact your union.
- Is a raise automatic with the new pay scale?
- No. The pay scale sets minimums, but individual or collective bargaining can allow for higher salaries. Increases also depend on each establishment’s internal policies.
- Can I request a raise if my salary is below the minimum?
- Absolutely. It is possible to request back pay if your pay does not comply with the official pay scale. Consult your union or legal advisor promptly.
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