Leisure and sports managers Salary
Median salary £33,342 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £33,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For leisure and sports managers, £36,026 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -8.0% versus the national average. Experienced leisure and sports managers (top 25%) earn over £41,872.
About this role
Leisure and sports managers manage hospitality, leisure or catering operations. They oversee service delivery, staffing, food safety, customer experience and commercial performance within hotels, restaurants, leisure venues or catering companies.
Key responsibilities
- Managing day-to-day hospitality or leisure operations
- Ensuring high standards of customer service and experience
- Overseeing food safety, hygiene and health and safety compliance
- Managing budgets, pricing and revenue targets
- Recruiting, training and leading service teams
Qualifications and entry routes
Significant hospitality or leisure industry experience is essential. A degree in hospitality management or business is common. Professional qualifications in food safety (Level 4) and licensing are typical.
Career outlook
Sector faces ongoing staffing challenges. Experienced managers with strong commercial skills are in demand, particularly in premium and boutique segments.
Key skills
Common industries
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Events and conferences
- Leisure and recreation
- Contract catering
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£19,304
0-2 years
Mid Level
£25,384
3-7 years
Senior
£41,872
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +117% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 13.3%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£2,684
Leisure and sports managers salary: common questions
How much do leisure and sports managers earn in the UK?
Is £36,026 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for leisure and sports managers?
Have leisure and sports managers salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for leisure and sports managers?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).