Vienna’s hotel market remains on a growth trajectory

Survey results reaffirm Vienna’s continued trajectory of robust and consistent growth, fuelled by its rich heritage and array of cultural offerings, a thriving international congress sector, and a dynamic gastronomic scene that draws visitors from around the globe. Furthermore, the city’s strong project pipeline, with several properties planned or under construction, underscores increasing demand for skilled hospitality staff.

Scope of the 2025 Salary Compass

This year’s survey analysed over 200 positions across nine departments in a sample of 23 hotels in Vienna. All individual property data remains strictly confidential, with findings reported only on an aggregate basis.

Additionally, the survey follows stringent quality checks and data collection protocol. The use of AI or data from job boards is not permitted.

Key insights from the 2025 survey

• Overall growth: Year-on-year salary increases across most strategic and operational positions, averaging +3% to +7%.
• Strongest growth (2024-2025) observed in the following roles for minimum and maximum salary averages:
  • Director of Marketing & Communications (+20% / +19%)
  • Director of Information Systems (+13% / +13%)
  • Reservations Manager (+18% / +5%)
  • Guest Relations Manager (+9% / +8%)
  • Director of Engineering (+13% / +7%)
• Declines observed in other roles:
  • Systems Manager (–12% / –11%)
  • Director of Purchasing (–7% / –5%)
  • Stewarding Manager (–3% / –3%)

Top executive positions by salary range

The highest salary brackets were recorded for the following strategic and management roles:

• General Manager
• Director of Finance
• Director of Sales and Marketing
• Director of Human Resources
• Director of Engineering

Salary benchmarks: selected examples (gross monthly, 14x/year, excl. bonus & benefits)

• Room Attendant: €2,005 – €2,235
• Demi Chef: €2,452 – €2,508
• Accounting Clerk: €2,360 – €2,420
• Sales Assistant: €2,410 – €2,678
• Systems Manager: €3,358 – €3,570
• Electrician: €2,760 – €2,990

Vienna’s hotel sector continues to perform with remarkable resilience and consistency. Our 2025 Salary Compass shows that salaries are not only keeping pace with inflation but, in many key areas, rising well above it. This reflects the increasing competition for qualified talent in a city where new projects and international demand continue to fuel growth. For owners and operators, benchmarking salaries accurately is becoming ever more important – both to attract talent and to ensure sustainable operations. Akshara Walia, Director of Research at PKF hospitality group

About the Salary Compass

The PKF hospitality Salary Compass is a one-of-a-kind benchmarking tool for salary comparisons in the hospitality industry. Data is collected via a structured questionnaire and undergoes two independent screenings by the PKF research team to ensure validity and reliability. The report is provided to respondents within two weeks of the submission deadline, with full confidentiality guaranteed. The 2025 edition of the survey remains open until the end of the year.

About PKF hospitality group