Philadelphia Hospitality Wage Growth Trends: Five-Year Analysis by Role

Philadelphia Hospitality Wage Growth Trends: Key Takeaways

• From 2020 to 2025, wages and salaries in Philadelphia's hospitality sector increased by about 3.9% overall.
• Hotel and restaurant managers saw substantial wage growth of approximately 18.6%, outpacing other roles.
• Employment in Philadelphia's leisure and hospitality sector nearly doubled, from 54,000 jobs in 2020 to over 102,000 in 2024.

The Philadelphia hospitality industry has experienced notable wage increases over the past five years across various roles.

This article analyzes compensation trends by role, employment shifts, and the influence of unions and the cost of living.

1. Overview of Hospitality Wage Growth in Philadelphia

Between June 2020 and June 2025, the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden area saw a 3.9% increase in wages and salaries for private industry workers, reflecting steady growth in compensation costs.

This overall rise underscores the expanding economic footprint of the hospitality sector amid evolving market conditions.

Employers aiming to adapt to these trends can explore hospitality wages updates in 2025 for strategic planning.

2. Role-Specific Wage Gains in the Philadelphia Hospitality Sector

Hotel Managers: Wage Growth and Employment Trends

Hotel managers have experienced some of the most significant wage increases, with average salaries jumping from $65,270 in 2020 to $77,460 in 2024—an 18.68% increase.

Employment growth for hotel managers has been moderate, rising by about 30.07%, while projections suggest a further 10% job growth over the coming decade.

For hiring managers, understanding the best approaches is key—see our guide to hiring a hotel manager for practical advice.

Restaurant Managers: Salaries and Job Outlook

Similar to hotel managers, restaurant managers saw wages grow by 18.64%, reaching an average annual salary of $72,370 in 2024.

However, the long-term job outlook is more subdued, with only a 2% projected increase from 2023 to 2033, influenced by factors such as automation and shifts in consumer preferences.

Restaurant owners will benefit from reading our how to hire a restaurant manager article to attract the right talent.

Chefs, Concierges, and Porters: Wage and Employment Dynamics

Chefs have recorded a modest wage increase of 3.32%, accompanied by a 5.77% growth in employment.

Concierges saw a smaller wage growth of 1.34%, with employment rising 7.75%, reflecting efforts to enhance guest experiences.

Porters' wages grew by 2.38%, with employment increasing 8.48%, highlighting the importance of high-touch customer service roles in hospitality.

Employers interested in filling these essential roles can check out the how to hire a concierge and hiring housekeepers resources.

3. Impact of Union Negotiations and Cost of Living on Wages

Unite Here Local 274, representing about 1,000 hotel workers in Philadelphia, has actively pushed for substantial wage hikes, proposing $12 hourly raises over three years for non-tipped workers.

This push is partly in response to the rising cost of living in Philadelphia, which is about 4% higher than the national average—particularly for utilities and housing.

Housekeepers currently earn around $22 per hour, and union efforts aim to increase these wages to improve worker retention and meet living expenses.

Learn more about housekeepers' earning potential and strategies for employers.

4. Employment Trends and Industry Expansion in Philadelphia Hospitality

Employment in Philadelphia's leisure and hospitality sector exhibited strong growth, rising from 54,000 workers in December 2020 to approximately 102,200 by October 2024.

This surge reflects the sector's recovery post-pandemic and ongoing expansion driven by increased demand for leisure and tourism services.

Hospitality businesses seeking to stay competitive should consider insights from restaurant staff hiring strategies.

5. Conclusion: Philadelphia Hospitality Wage Growth and Future Outlook

Philadelphia's hospitality sector has experienced robust wage growth over the past five years, particularly among managerial roles.

While employment gains are promising, some positions face slower job growth projections, influenced by automation and shifting consumer preferences.

Union advocacy and local living costs will continue to shape wage trajectories, prompting employers to balance fair compensation with industry demands.

Managers can improve retention by exploring employee turnover reduction strategies.

6. Useful Resources for Philadelphia Hospitality Employers and Workers

• For wage and employment data specific to Philadelphia, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Check Philadelphia-specific labor information at the City of Philadelphia Department of Labor.
• State labor laws and guidance are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

Employers looking to refine hiring processes might benefit from a guide to hiring a restaurant consultant and tips for hiring servers or waiters.