The catering and hospitality sector in Belfast
- Chef Salary (May 2019) in Belfast: £21,137 per year / £10.80 per hour
- Head Chef Salary (May 2019) in Belfast: £34,291 per year / £17.58 per hour
- Cook Salary (May 2019) in Belfast: £18,884 per year / £9.68 per hour
Belfast is still frequently associated with its troubled history. Today, however, the city is a thriving metropolitan hub that is amongst the best places to live and work as a chef. Not only is the capital of Northern Ireland the least expensive major city in the UK to live, but it’s also home to some of the most exciting places to work in hospitality and catering.
Wages in the city might not be the highest in the UK, but when factoring in living costs, they’re certainly competitive. Andrew Webb, a leading economist, predicts that the Northern Ireland economy is set to grow, whether Brexit happens or not. Which means that wages in Belfast look set to rise. Our most recent data suggests that chefs in Belfast can currently expect to earn more than £21,000 a year, whilst the average salary of a head chef exceeds £34,000.
Belfast is a growing force. With new restaurants, bars and coffee shops opening every year, there’s an increasing demand for talented chefs, baristas and bar staff. Hospitality and catering skill sets are also becoming increasingly rare in the UK, which puts professionals in our industry in a strong position. Wages look set to rise for permanent and contract roles, whilst seasonal, flexible opportunities are stronger than ever.
As catering and hospitality professionals in Belfast, you need to develop skills to be successful long-term. This city isn’t short of training and upskilling opportunities. Belfast Met, Belfast Central Training and Belfast Cookery School all offer chef and catering specific courses. And if you work for a Blue Arrow catering employer, you may also be able to enrol on a Blue Arrow Apprenticeship course.
Little wonder Belfast is a hotbed of creative culinary talents. Danni Barry, one of an elite group of female chefs who hold Michelin stars, is the head chef of one Michelin star holder Eipic. Other Bib Gourmand Michelin-accredited chefs in the city include Ben Arnold at Home and Great British Menu national finalist Chris Fearon at Deanes at Queen’s.
Belfast is a city with a creative culinary scene. Not just stews on offer here. For elite chefs and staff cooks, the Northern Irish capital is a great city to live and work.
