Labor & Taxes
Restaurant industry adds 27,000 jobs, but salaries remain 30% below average
The hospitality and restaurant sector saw an 8.7% increase in employment during the first quarter of 2026, reaching its highest level for that period on record. Despite this growth, the average monthly salary in the sector was 1,205 euros, approximately 30% lower than the national economic average of 1,728 euros. An extension of a collective bargaining agreement published in June now covers over 50,000 workers in the industry, impacting those previously earning below new conventional thresholds.
Why it matters
If you are looking for work in the restaurant or hospitality sector, be aware that while demand for staff is high, average pay remains significantly below the national average; you should verify specific shift patterns, working hours, and total compensation packages before applying, as collective bargaining agreements are now shaping conditions for a significant portion of the industry.CNN PortugalRead original ↗
Useful?
