Insights into Hospitality Staffing Trends: A Year of Cafe Jobs in Review
The past 12 months to May 1st 2023 have witnessed dynamic trends in the hospitality industry, specifically in staffing patterns and job distribution. Drawing on data from our hospitality-only job board, Cafe Jobs, we can gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape. Let's delve into the trends that have shaped hospitality staffing over this period.
Hourly Rates: Across various roles, the average hourly rate for jobs posted stands at $32. This is up from an average hourly rate of $28 for the previous 12 months. This indicates a commitment from employers to offer more competitive compensation, recognising the value that skilled and dedicated hospitality professionals can bring to a business.
Breakdown of Job Postings by Role: Analyzing the data reveals distinctive patterns in the distribution of roles within the industry:
Baristas: Unsurprisingly, baristas were dominating the job market, and accounted for a significant 66.8% of all job postings on Cafe Jobs. The continued growth of coffee sales in Australia solidifies their position as highly sought-after professionals.
Cafe All-rounders: Versatile and adaptable, cafe all-rounders represented 20.8% of job postings nationally. Their ability to handle various roles in an uncertain market makes them indispensable.
Chefs: 4.4% of job postings on Cafe Jobs were for chefs, showing that the growth in demand for the role is mainly seen in larger establishments, hotels, and the catering industry.
Front of House: Front of house professionals, responsible for customer interactions, POS, and food service, constituted 2.4% of our job postings.
Bar Staff: Also accounting for 2.4% of job postings, their mixology expertise and ability to create a lively atmosphere are still sought after.
Other Roles: Comprising 3.2% of job postings, these positions encompass kitchen assistants, floor supervisors, and other essential functions that ensure a hospitality can operate smoothly.
Geographical Focus: Examining the distribution of job ads across cities provides valuable insights into regional hospitality demands:
Victoria (VIC): Job ads from Victoria accounted for 28.3% of postings, highlighting a thriving hospitality scene in the state. The abundance of opportunities in Victoria makes it an attractive destination for hospitality professionals.
New South Wales (NSW): Leading the pack with 39.1% of job ads, New South Wales demonstrates its position as a bustling hospitality hub. The state's diverse culinary landscape offers abundant prospects for job seekers, but, some challenges for businesses looking to hire.
Queensland (QLD): With 7.2% of job ads, Queensland showcases its own unique hospitality market. The state's warm climate and popular tourist destinations make it a hotspot for hospitality professionals from around the world seeking new opportunities.
South Australia (SA): Accounting for 2.7% of job ads, South Australia has a smaller footprint, but is a consistent presence in the hospitality industry. The state's focus on quality dining experiences and local produce contributes to its demand for skilled staff.
Western Australia (WA): With 2.1% of job ads, Western Australia hires less hospitality workers per capita than the other capital cities, but its fusion of cuisines and innovative dining concepts in the state still create a demand for skilled hospo professionals.
The past 12 months have seen some fairly wild trends in hospitality staffing, with baristas leading the way when it comes to sheer numbers, and an overall emphasis on more competitive hourly rates to attract staff. Understanding these patterns and regional variations can help both job seekers and employers navigate the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry.