The hotel industry in Paris, famous for its luxury and world-class service, attracts workers from a variety of backgrounds. But how much do these employees actually earn as they ensure the comfort of visitors to the City of Light?
Median Wages for Hotel Workers in Paris
Jobs in the hotel industry are numerous and varied. Here’s the main list: Security Agent, Baggage Handler, Chef, Front Desk Manager, Concierge, Commis Chef, Hotel Director, Assistant Director, Chambermaid, Receptionist, Marketing Manager, Waiter/Barista, and Maintenance Technician.
Salaries in the Paris hotel industry vary according to the:
- type of establishment
- experience
- type of position
- district in which employees work
Average price per night | Median wage | |
Budget hotels | USD 54 – USD 108 | Approximately USD 1,735 to USD 2,385 gross per month. |
Mid-range hotels (2 to 3 stars) | USD 108 – USD 162 | Approximately USD 2,711 to USD 3,253 gross per month. |
High-end hotels (4 to 5 stars and luxury hotels) | USD 162 – 867 | Salaries can exceed USD 5,422 gross per month, with additional benefits. |
Salary variations between different types of establishment are significant, reflecting differences in service standards and customer expectations.
Working Hours and Contracts
Working hours in Parisian hotels often vary depending on the position and the tourist season. Here are a few points to consider:
Contracts
Hotel employees can be hired under various types of contracts:
- Permanent contracts: This is the most common contract and offers job security. Employees on permanent contracts enjoy full social rights and seniority benefits.
- Temporary contracts: They are mainly used for peak tourist periods or to replace absent employees. These contracts are limited in time but may offer opportunities for permanent employment.
- Seasonal contracts: Very common in the hotel industry, these contracts cover periods of high activity such as the summer or the end-of-year holidays. Seasonal employees can return each year, creating a sense of continuity.
- Part-time contracts: They are suitable for students or people who need flexibility. Working hours may vary from week to week.
- Interim contracts: They are used for very specific temporary needs. Agency workers are often paid by the hour and may work in several hotels over the course of the year.
Working Hours
- Rotating schedules: This is common in reception and security positions. Employees can work day and night, including weekends and public holidays. Working hours are often 39 hours in the hotel industry, but they also depend on the type of contract and overtime. For example, someone who has to work 39 hours a week may end up working 50 hours or even more.
- Overtime: Busy periods such as summer or vacation seasons may require overtime. They are generally paid in accordance with legal regulations. In other words, they are paid at a higher hourly rate (25% for the first 7 hours, then 50% for the next 6). They may not exceed 13 hours.
- Flexibility: Schedules can sometimes be flexible. This allows employees to adjust their working hours according to their personal needs and/or the needs of the hotel.
Benefits for Hotel Workers
In addition to wages, hotel workers often enjoy additional benefits, helping to make their jobs more attractive.
These benefits include:
Social Benefits
Luncheon vouchers, health insurance, and company saving plans are often used in this context. These benefits are often proportional to job level and seniority within the company.
Discounts on Hotel Services
Employees can benefit from discounts on meals and hotel entertainment facilities, which can be a significant advantage, especially for those working in luxury establishments.
For example, the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located near the Champs-Elysées, offers its employees significant discounts on gourmet restaurants, spas, and room reservations.
Employees have free access to the hotel’s sports facilities, including a well-equipped gym and fitness classes.
The hotel also offers scholarships for their employee’s children.
These benefits help improve their employee’s standard of living and strengthen their commitment to the company.
Wages for Different Positions
Wages in the hotel industry vary considerably depending on the position held. Here are the salaries, ranging from the lowest, which generally applies to budget and mid-range hotels, to the highest, which applies to luxury hotels and palaces:
Position (A-Z) | Wage (gross) |
Assistant Director | USD 2,494 – USD 2,927 |
Baggage Handler | USD 1,813 – USD 2,102 |
Chef | USD 2,223 – USD 3,631 |
Commis Chef | USD 1,331 – USD 7,109 |
Concierge | USD 2,035 – USD 3,279 |
Front Desk Manager | USD 1,897 – USD 4,969 |
Hotel Director | USD 3,253 – USD 5,422 |
Housekeeper | USD 1,372 – USD 2,932 |
Maintenance Technician | USD 1,951 – USD 2,346 |
Marketing Manager | USD 1,915 – USD 4,690 |
Receptionist | USD 1,601 – USD 2,950 |
Security Agent | USD 1,633 – USD 5,923 |
Waiter/Barista | USD 1,346 – USD 3,437 |
Salaries can be influenced by a number of factors, including experience, the specific skills required for the job, and the size and prestige of the establishment.
This data comes from job websites Jooble (website in French), Indeed (website in French) and Talent, dating back to May 2024.
Job Ranking by Wage
Here’s a ranking of Paris hotel jobs, from highest to lowest paid:
Job | Wage (gross) |
1. Hotel Director | USD 4,443 |
2. Assistant Director | USD 3,975 |
3. Marketing Manager | USD 3,578 |
4. Front Desk Manager | USD 3,409 |
5. Chef | USD 3,388 |
6. Concierge | USD 2,228 |
7. Receptionist | USD 2,168 |
8. Maintenance Technician | USD 2,125 |
9. Commis Chef | USD 2,078 |
10. Security Agent | USD 1,967 |
11. Baggage Handler | USD 1,912 |
12. Waiter/Barista | USD 1,838 |
13. Housekeeper | USD 1,791 |
It’s important to keep in mind that these figures are indicative and may vary depending on various factors, such as experience, hotel location, and negotiations during job interviews.
Luxury establishments can offer higher salaries and additional benefits to attract and retain talent.
For example, a waiter/barista at the Ritz Paris hotel is paid between USD 2,168 (EUR 2,000) and USD 3,253 (EUR 3,000) gross per month, and a housekeeper supervisor earns between USD 3,253 (EUR 3,000) and USD 4,337 (EUR 4,000).
At the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a waiter/barista is paid between USD 2,168 (EUR 2,000) and USD 3,253 (EUR 3,000) gross per month, and an assistant manager earns around USD 4,337 (EUR 4,000).
This data comes from job websites Jooble (website in French), Indeed (website in French), Talent, and Glassdoor dating back to March and May 2024.
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