Publicans and managers of licensed premises Salary
Median salary £37,427 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For publicans and managers of licensed premises, £38,043 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -3.0% versus the national average.
About this role
Publicans and managers of licensed premises run pubs, bars, clubs and other licensed venues. They manage all aspects of the business including licensing compliance, staff management, stock control, customer experience, food and drink service, and entertainment programming.
Key responsibilities
- Managing day-to-day operations of licensed premises
- Ensuring compliance with licensing laws and regulations
- Managing staff recruitment, training and scheduling
- Controlling stock, ordering and managing supplier relationships
- Creating a welcoming atmosphere and managing customer experience
Qualifications and entry routes
A personal licence (APLH qualification) is required to authorise alcohol sales. No formal degree is necessary, though hospitality management qualifications are beneficial. Significant practical experience in licensed trade is essential.
Career outlook
The pub sector faces ongoing challenges from changing consumer habits and cost pressures. Well-managed food-led and community-focused pubs continue to perform well.
Key skills
Common industries
- Pubs
- Bars and nightclubs
- Breweries with tied houses
- Hotel bars
- Social clubs
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£30,094
0-2 years
Mid Level
£30,094
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: -0.8%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£616
Publicans and managers of licensed premises salary: common questions
How much do publicans and managers of licensed premises earn in the UK?
Is £38,043 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for publicans and managers of licensed premises?
Have publicans and managers of licensed premises salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for publicans and managers of licensed premises?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).