Hospitality across New South Wales includes restaurants, cafes, pubs, and accommodation—supporting employment in both city and regional communities. This page looks at who works in the sector and how wages, gender composition, energy costs, staffing shortages, and liquor licensing timelines affect day-to-day operations. It also outlines industry scale and performance through spending, revenues, employment, and venue counts to show the full economic picture.
Key Takeaways
- Total hospitality consumer spending in NSW was $22.6 billion in 2023
- Average spend per diner in NSW restaurants was $48 in 2023, up 6% YoY
- Alcohol consumption spend in NSW hospitality reached $8.9 billion in 2023
- In 2023, the NSW hospitality industry employed 214,500 people, accounting for 6.8% of total state employment
- As of June 2023: July 2026: June 2026, there were 45,200 full-time equivalent jobs in NSW cafes and restaurants, up 4.2% from 2022
- Women comprised 52.3% of the hospitality workforce in NSW in 2022, with 78,900 female employees
- Number of hospitality businesses in NSW reached 32,400 in 2023, up 2.1% from 2022
- Cafes and coffee shops outlets in NSW totaled 12,800 in June 2023
- Licensed pubs and taverns in NSW numbered 4,200 in 2023
- In 2023, 65% of NSW hospitality venues complied with new wage regulations
- Energy costs rose 24% for NSW hospitality businesses in 2023
- Liquor licensing approval time averaged 45 days in NSW 2023
- In 2023, NSW hospitality generated $18.4 billion in total revenue, contributing 3.2% to state GDP
- Cafes and restaurants in NSW achieved $12.7 billion turnover in FY2023, up 11.5% YoY
- Pubs, taverns, and bars revenue in NSW was $9.2 billion in 2023
In 2023, NSW hospitality hit $22.6 billion in consumer spending as spending per diner rose to $48.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Spending And Trends26 stats
01
Total hospitality consumer spending in NSW was $22.6 billion in 2023
02
Average spend per diner in NSW restaurants was $48in 2023, up 6% YoY
03
Alcohol consumption spend in NSW hospitality reached $8.9 billion in 2023
04
Hotel guest spending averaged $250per night in NSW 2023
05
Delivery and takeaway spend grew 15% to $4.2 billion in NSW 2023
06
Domestic tourist spend on food/bev in NSW was $7.1 billion in 2023
07
International visitor hospitality spend: $3.8 billion in NSW 2023
08
Gen Z spending on cafes in NSW averaged $22per visit in 2023
09
Plant-based meal orders surged 28% in NSW venues 2023
10
Weekend brunch spend per person: $35in Sydney NSW 2023
11
Loyalty app redemptions saved consumers $180 million in NSW 2023
12
Craft cocktail spend averaged $18per drink in NSW bars 2023
13
Family dining spend: $120average in regional NSW 2023
14
Sustainable menu item premium: 12% higher spend in NSW 2023
15
Late-night venue spend peaked at $2.1 billion in NSW 2023
16
Coffee consumption: 4.2 cups per week, $6.50average spend NSW 2023
17
Group booking average spend: $450per event in NSW 2023
18
Wine by the glass sales: $1.8 billion consumer spend NSW 2023
19
Health-focused meal spend up 19% to $1.2 billion NSW 2023
20
Peak hour lunch spend: $28per person Sydney CBD 2023
21
Vegan dining occasions: 1.8 million, $92 million spend NSW 2023
22
Hotel room service spend: $420 million NSW 2023
23
Festival food truck spend: $150 million at NSW events 2023
24
Cashless payments: 78% of total spend in NSW hospitality 2023
25
Repeat customer spend share: 62% of revenue NSW 2023
26
Low/no-alc beverage spend: $320 million growth NSW 2023
Interpretation
Consumer Spending And Trends Interpretation
In NSW hospitality, consumer spending reached $22.6 billion in 2023 while diners spent an average of $48 per visit and delivery and takeaway surged 15% to $4.2 billion, showing a clear shift toward convenience-driven spending within consumer spending and trends.
02 · Category
Employment And Workforce29 stats
01
In 2023, the NSW hospitality industry employed 214,500 people, accounting for 6.8% of total state employment
02
As of June 2023: June 2026, there were 45,200 full-time equivalent jobs in NSW cafes and restaurants, up 4.2% from 2022
03
Women comprised 52.3% of the hospitality workforce in NSW in 2022, with 78,900 female employees
04
The average weekly wage for hospitality workers in NSW was $1,120in 2023, 15% below the state average
05
Youth employment (15-24 years) in NSW hospitality reached 92,400 in 2023, representing 43% of the sector's workforce
06
Part-time workers made up 58.7% of NSW hospitality jobs in Q4 2023, totaling 125,800 positions
07
In 2022, 12,300 apprentices and trainees were registered in NSW hospitality trades
08
Casual employment in NSW hospitality stood at 67.4% of total jobs in 2023, affecting 144,600 workers
09
The turnover rate in NSW hospitality was 28.5% annually in 2023, higher than the national average of 24.2%
10
Indigenous employment in NSW hospitality grew to 4,200 workers in 2023, a 7.8% increase from 2021
11
Migrant workers accounted for 32.1% of NSW hospitality staff in 2022, with 68,900 from non-English speaking backgrounds
12
In regional NSW, hospitality employment was 42,100 in 2023, comprising 19.6% of regional jobs
13
Bar and tavern staff in NSW numbered 56,400 full-time equivalents in 2023
14
Chefs and cooks employment in NSW hospitality hit 38,200 in Q3 2023
15
Hotel accommodation staff in NSW totaled 29,800 in 2023, up 5.1% post-COVID
16
Waitstaff positions in NSW cafes/restaurants were 67,500 in 2023, with 22% vacancy rate
17
Managers in NSW hospitality numbered 18,900 in 2022, earning average $1,850weekly
18
Disability employment in NSW hospitality was 3.2% of workforce, or 6,800 people in 2023
19
Overtime hours in NSW hospitality averaged 4.2 hours per week per worker in 2023
20
Union membership in NSW hospitality was 14.7% in 2023, covering 31,500 members
21
Training expenditure per employee in NSW hospitality was $1,250annually in 2022
22
Job vacancies in NSW hospitality peaked at 15,200 in March 2023
23
Female managers in NSW hospitality increased to 7,400 in 2023, 39% of total managers
24
Seasonal employment in coastal NSW hospitality averaged 12,500 jobs during summer 2022-23
25
Underemployment rate in NSW hospitality was 18.4% in 2023
26
STEM-skilled workers in NSW hospitality numbered 2,100 in tech roles by 2023
27
Age 45+ workers in NSW hospitality were 22.3% or 47,800 in 2023
28
Multilingual staff in Sydney hospitality venues reached 45% in 2023
29
Remote work adoption in NSW hospitality admin roles was 8.2% in 2023
Interpretation
Employment And Workforce Interpretation
In NSW’s hospitality employment, a large workforce is concentrated in part time and youth roles, with 125,800 jobs filled by part time workers in Q4 2023 and youth employment of 92,400 in 2023 accounting for 43% of the sector.
03 · Category
Establishments And Infrastructure22 stats
01
Number of hospitality businesses in NSW reached 32,400 in 2023, up 2.1% from 2022
02
Cafes and coffee shops outlets in NSW totaled 12,800 in June 2023
03
Licensed pubs and taverns in NSW numbered 4,200 in 2023
04
Hotels with accommodation in NSW stood at 1,850 in 2023
05
Fast food outlets in NSW hospitality sector were 3,900 in 2023
06
Fine dining restaurants in Sydney alone numbered 450 in 2023
07
Regional NSW had 8,200 hospitality venues in 2023, 25% of state total
08
Average venue size in NSW hospitality was 150 seats for restaurants in 2023
09
New hospitality business entries in NSW were 1,120 in 2023
10
Closures of hospitality venues in NSW totaled 780 in 2023, down 40% from 2022
11
Multi-venue operators controlled 18% of NSW hospitality outlets in 2023
12
Outdoor seating areas expanded to 65% of NSW venues by 2023
13
EV charging stations at NSW hospitality sites reached 420 in 2023
14
Heritage-listed hospitality venues in NSW numbered 320 in 2023
15
Brewery taprooms in NSW grew to 180 in 2023
16
Co-working kitchen spaces for hospitality startups: 25 in NSW 2023
17
Average age of NSW hospitality buildings was 45 years in 2023
18
Solar panel installations in NSW venues hit 2,800 sites in 2023
19
Waterfront hospitality developments approved: 15 new in NSW 2023
20
Ghost kitchens operating in NSW totaled 650 in 2023
21
Venue refurbishments completed: 1,200 in NSW hospitality 2023
22
Pop-up venues hosted: 450 events across NSW in 2023
Interpretation
Establishments And Infrastructure Interpretation
In NSW’s hospitality establishments and infrastructure, the sector grew to 32,400 businesses in 2023, up 2.1% from 2022, with major hubs like 12,800 cafes and coffee shops and 4,200 licensed pubs and taverns showing continued strength alongside 1,850 hotels with accommodation.
More related reading
04 · Category
Regulations And Challenges26 stats
01
In 2023, 65% of NSW hospitality venues complied with new wage regulations
02
Energy costs rose 24% for NSW hospitality businesses in 2023
03
Liquor licensing approval time averaged 45 days in NSW 2023
04
Staff shortage impacted 72% of NSW venues in 2023 survey
05
Food cost inflation hit 18.2% YoY for NSW hospitality in 2023
06
COVID recovery grants disbursed $250 million to 5,200 NSW venues in 2023
07
Noise complaint violations: 1,200 cases against NSW venues 2023
08
Wage theft penalties issued to 340 NSW hospitality firms in 2023, totaling $4.2m
09
Supply chain disruptions affected 55% of NSW hospitality ops in 2023
10
Health inspection failures: 8.4% of NSW venues in 2023
11
Insurance premium hikes averaged 22% for NSW hospitality 2023
12
Lockout law repeal boosted late-night trade by 14% but increased assaults 9% in 2023
13
Plastic ban compliance: 92% of NSW venues by mid-2023
14
Minimum wage increase to $23.23/hr impacted payroll by 7.8% in NSW 2023
15
Cybersecurity breaches reported by 12% of NSW hospitality businesses 2023
16
Waste reduction targets met by 41% of large NSW venues in 2023
17
Public health orders fines: $1.8m to 150 NSW hospitality offenders 2023
18
Rental arrears affected 28% of Sydney CBD hospitality leases 2023
19
Allergen labeling compliance issues in 6.2% of NSW venues 2023
20
Climate risk assessments completed by 19% of coastal NSW venues 2023
21
Superannuation underpayment recovered $12m from 900 NSW hospitality employers 2023
22
Trading hours restriction appeals: 210 granted in NSW 2023
23
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023
24
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: small)
25
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: medium)
26
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: large)
Interpretation
Regulations And Challenges Interpretation
In 2023, NSW hospitality faced intensifying regulations and pressures at once, with only 65% of venues meeting the new wage rules alongside major cost and staffing strains including 72% reporting staff shortages and energy costs rising 24%.
report visual · Comparison
Staff shortages are widespread across NSW hospitality venues (2023)
In 2023, reported staff shortages were dominant across NSW hospitality venues, with the leader at 72%—and this same dominant share holds across small, medium, and large venue sizes
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 202372%
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: small)
72%
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: medium)
72%
72% of NSW hospitality venues reported staff shortages in 2023 (by venue size: large)
72%
source-verifiednsw.gov.au2023
05 · Category
Revenue And Economic Impact26 stats
01
In 2023, NSW hospitality generated $18.4 billion in total revenue, contributing 3.2% to state GDP
02
Cafes and restaurants in NSW achieved $12.7 billion turnover in FY2023, up 11.5% YoY
03
Pubs, taverns, and bars revenue in NSW was $9.2 billion in 2023
04
Accommodation revenue from hotels in NSW reached $6.8 billion in 2023
05
Total wages paid by NSW hospitality sector amounted to $14.2 billion in 2023
06
Tax contributions from NSW hospitality businesses totaled $2.1 billion in GST in FY2023
07
Export-related hospitality services (e.g., tourism) generated $1.9 billion for NSW in 2023
08
Average annual revenue per hospitality venue in NSW was $1.45 million in 2023
09
Profit margins in NSW restaurants averaged 8.7% in 2023, post-inflation recovery
10
Gaming revenue from NSW pubs and clubs was $1.12 billion in FY2023
11
Food delivery platform commissions impacted NSW restaurant revenue by $450 million in 2023
12
Sydney CBD hospitality revenue surged 22% to $4.3 billion in 2023
13
Regional NSW hospitality revenue grew 9.8% to $5.6 billion in 2023
14
Alcohol sales revenue in NSW hospitality was $7.8 billion in 2023
15
Event catering revenue in NSW totaled $1.2 billion in 2023
16
Online booking revenue share in NSW hotels was 28% or $1.9 billion in 2023
17
Cost of goods sold for NSW hospitality averaged 32.5% of revenue in 2023
18
Break-even occupancy for NSW hotels was 45.2% in 2023
19
Loyalty program revenue uplift in NSW hospitality was 12% or $1.1 billion in 2023
20
Takeaway sales revenue in NSW cafes grew to $3.4 billion in 2023
21
Corporate catering contracts generated $850 million for NSW hospitality in 2023
22
Inflation-adjusted revenue growth in NSW pubs was 3.2% in 2023
23
Wedding venue revenue in NSW hospitality hit $620 million in 2023
24
Craft beer sales contributed $420 million to NSW hospitality revenue in 2023
25
Sustainability premium added 4.1% to revenue for green NSW venues in 2023
26
Peak season revenue (Dec-Feb) accounted for 38% of annual totals in NSW hospitality 2023
Interpretation
Revenue And Economic Impact Interpretation
In 2023 NSW hospitality generated $18.4 billion in revenue and supported $14.2 billion in wages while paying $2.1 billion in GST in FY2023, underscoring a strong revenue and economic impact despite the sector also delivering notable growth in cafes and restaurants with $12.7 billion turnover up 11.5% year on year.
Reference
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APA
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). Nsw Hospitality Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/nsw-hospitality-industry-statistics
MLA
Karl Becker. "Nsw Hospitality Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/nsw-hospitality-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Karl Becker. 2026. "Nsw Hospitality Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/nsw-hospitality-industry-statistics.