Topic: Salary

"Like work, like pay", as the saying goes. We have collected five important pieces of information and tips to help you get your bearings - so that the work you do and the amount in your account really do match.

For employees in the hotel and catering industry, the collective agreement for the sector is generally used to calculate the salary. You are assigned to an employment group depending on your area of responsibility.

Of course, there are also jobs where no collective agreement applies. In this case, your salary must be negotiated individually.

Make sure you find out about your future salary or classification when you apply at the latest!

Fundamentally important: If you have specific questions about your payslip, don't be afraid to seek external help! The Chamber of Labor and specially established advice centers are there to help you if you are unsure.

Overtime, night work or other bonuses for special working conditions are added to the salary. Remuneration for Sunday work or night shifts is usually regulated in collective agreements. As with the basic salary, the same applies to bonuses: If you are not paid according to the collective agreement, you will also have to negotiate any bonuses separately.

Good to know: Supplements for Sunday, public holiday and night work are tax-free up to 360 euros per month.

Would you like to (re)negotiate your salary? Then prepare yourself well for this step. Because: In the discussion with your superior, you must explain why it is justified that you should be paid more money than before. Essentially, these are the reasons that justify an advance in salary classification or an overpayment:

• Your scope of work has broadened: you are taking on more tasks that go beyond your original field of activity.
• You can provide evidence of newly acquired qualifications: After successfully completing additional training, you bring more know-how to the table.
• You have performed exceptionally well: You have successfully completed projects under your management/responsibility.
• You have taken on more responsibility : Your line manager has assigned you new areas of activity that mean more responsibility.

Note: Preparation is half the battle in a successful salary negotiation. Our advice:

• Prepare your arguments and perhaps talk them through with someone!
• Be prepared for counter-questions!
• Choose the right timing for your interview! A rather inappropriate time: stressful times or peak season!

Many companies and businesses offer various additional benefits. These tax-free employer benefits include discounts, meals, company housing, health promotion, further training and much more. When your employer covers the costs, you naturally have more money in your account - which is why such benefits are so attractive.

Nonetheless: think carefully about whether the additional benefits on offer really benefit you. If not, it is often worth trying to renegotiate your salary.

With so-called all-in contracts, you receive a higher salary. However, all the overtime and extra hours you work each month are compensated.

This arrangement can make sense for managers. For blue- and white-collar workers, however, an all-in contract can also become an overtime trap. This means that you work more overtime than your contract actually covers. The result: you are underpaid.

So before you consider an all-in solution, make sure you know whether such an agreement makes sense for your future job! If in doubt, contact the Chamber of Labor or an advice center and talk to your colleagues!

Want to find out more about starting a job and applying? Then take a look at our blog! Here you will find information and inspiration for your work in the hotel and catering industry.

Are you currently looking for a job? Then check out the current job vacancies in the hotel and catering industry - on HOGASTJOB!