Best careers in hospitality. You should really think about pursuing a career in hospitality if you take pleasure in putting a smile on a stranger’s face and possess the patience to cope with the more challenging clients. The alternatives range from hotel work to tourism, nightlife to catering.
You need to determine your main skills and how you may fit into this thriving profession, though, if you want to discover your true calling in this intriguing and optimistic field. We’ve put up a list of the top 20 hospitality jobs to give you some ideas as you try to decide which position is right for you.
What is a hospitality job?
Working directly with clients in restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and other establishments intended for recreational activities is a career in hospitality. Although many jobs in the hospitality industry involve working with people, some positions—like those in marketing, sales, and accounting—provide background support.
You often need to have a great desire to work with people and give them excellent service if you want to work in hospitality. If you select a career in the hospitality or entertainment industries, you may frequently spend extended periods of time on your feet. Additional qualifications may be needed for some hospitality jobs. People with developed musical skills, for instance, often do well as cruise ship entertainment.
Many employees in the hospitality sector begin their careers in entry-level jobs, but this is an area where workers can advance to more senior positions that pay more. Some of the highest-paying hospitality jobs may require you to complete additional education, but many are open to those with substantial industry experience. You’ll probably be able to take on more responsibilities in a higher-paying position, which will allow you to develop your people management and leadership skills.
What are the benefits of pursuing a hospitality career?
The following are some benefits of pursuing a profession in hospitality:
- Employment growth: Careers in the hospitality industry frequently have a good job outlook, increasing your chances of landing a position. For instance, waiters and waitresses can anticipate a 20% increase in employment by 2030 whereas motel managers might anticipate a 9% increase in employment.
- Meeting new people: Working in hospitality gives you the chance to interact with a variety of people from various backgrounds and personalities. For instance, if you work at a hotel front desk, you may see travelers from other nations.
Although a formal degree can aid in job advancement, many entry-level hospitality positions demand at least a high school diploma or GED.
20 Best careers in hospitality
1. Sales and marketing manager
Every major worldwide hotel chain will employ a sales and marketing manager to attract new business and partnerships and to promote the amenities offered at their establishments. Presentations, holding marketing events, and going on excursions are just a few examples of the many daily tasks. You must have a track record of success in sales and possess a business or marketing degree in order to be successful in this profession.
2. Hotel Manager
Every hotel wants its visitors to experience the ideal stay. The hotel manager’s responsibility is to see to it that this occurs and to address any problems that may arise if they don’t. Hotel managers need to be strategic problem-solvers who can act fast, retain composure when dealing with challenging guests and circumstances, and inspire their staff to meet and uphold high standards. The size of the hotel and the number of employees determine the job responsibilities of hotel managers, who oversee the operations of accommodations ranging from smaller boutique inns to massive tourist resorts.
Hotel managers are frequently in charge of making reservations for significant gatherings and events, ensuring that food operations go successfully, and keeping up with maintenance and cleaning duties in addition to training and supervising staff. Different managers may split these responsibilities in larger hotels and resorts, with each managing a particular division.
3. Restaurant manager
A restaurant manager is in charge of running the restaurant. Although higher-end restaurants often provide better compensation, managers are found in all types of eateries. In this position, a person oversees the staff of a restaurant, plans the staffing levels for the kitchen and waitstaff, develops the company’s marketing strategy, hires and trains new staff, assesses their performance, manages and updates the menus, keeps costs under control, oversees the budget, and fosters a positive work environment for both staff and customers.
The manager may also keep track of and maintain the restaurant’s food and supply inventories, participate in neighborhood events to raise awareness, and create customer loyalty programs.
4. Cruise ship entertainer
If you’re a gifted singer or performer who hasn’t quite landed their big break, you might think about becoming a cruise ship entertainer and earning a ton of money in the process! You’ll spend your days or nights entertaining the passengers on the ship, and your free time will be spent using the amenities of the cruise ship.
5. Head chef
Restaurants, hotels, casinos, and cruise ships all employ head chefs. They manage the entire culinary operation and are in charge of the menu and the caliber of the food provided. They serve as the kitchen’s eyes and ears, monitoring everything from order placement to preparation and delivery.
6. Events Manager
The finest event managers are so skilled at what they do that no one ever notices them. Their responsibility is to organize and manage huge events, making sure that everyone who attends has the best time possible. Events include parades, charity balls, bar and bat mitzvahs, concerts, conferences, and weddings. Event managers may be independent contractors, engaged by hotels and resorts, or employed by local governments and municipalities. A team of planning experts working under the guidance of the events manager may be necessary to prepare events of this magnitude.
They meet with customers to develop a vision for the event, then collaborate with suppliers, locations, caterers, performers, and other parties to bring the idea to life. This complex task entails securing licenses for the use of public property, working with caterers to feed hundreds or thousands of people, setting up entertainment, and assisting with staffing, sales, and marketing. If everything goes according to plan, the event is a success, and the manager can take pleasure in knowing that their guests had a memorable experience.
7. Fitness instructor
You can work as a fitness instructor in a variety of settings, including gyms, independent studios, and clients’ homes. However, a hotel is a common alternative for many people because you can instruct tourists who are committed to working out while also taking advantage of the hotel’s amenities.
8. Casino Manager
The realm of hospitality employment offers a fun and intriguing challenge in the form of casino work. Casinos can be raucous, animated, and busy all the time because of the tables and slot machines. They frequently have connections to hotels and resorts, which include a variety of dining options, shops, and entertainment options. Casino operations, including the games and staff who operate the floor, are under the control of the casino managers.
It is their responsibility to have a thorough understanding of consumer demand for various gaming options, constantly adjusting to maximize both consumer enjoyment and profits. Additionally, they are in charge of hiring and educating staff members including dealers, waiters, shift managers, and pit bosses. Casino managers must pay close attention to all moving aspects in a business where so much money is transacted.
9. Food and Beverage Director
Many jobs in hospitality, including food and beverage directors, are available at large restaurants or in hotels and resorts that have restaurants. Professionals in this field work along with executive chefs and restaurant managers. Directors of food and beverage operations place orders for ingredients and equipment and keep tabs on expenses. To ensure the restaurant can maintain a creative focus while still remaining realistic about budget, costs, and menu prices, they collaborate with cooks to produce menus. In order to keep their restaurant in compliance with health and safety regulations, they also supervise the preparation and storage of food.
In some places, food and beverage directors collaborate with bartenders and liquor suppliers to develop and promote trendy beverages, helping to optimize sales while retaining customers’ interest in their menu options.
10. Cosmetologist
A hotel spa will have a qualified and experienced beauty therapist on staff. These experienced workers can frequently make more money in this setting than they would in a high-end salon.
11. Director of Catering
Cooking and event planning come together in catering. Directors of catering must organize the simultaneous feeding of large crowds while managing a staff that can prepare hundreds, if not thousands, of meals for a single event. Catering managers must have a thorough understanding of food expenses and be able to predict how much food will be consumed based on variables like the number of guests and length of the event. They are aware of food costs, cook times, storage availability, bulk purchasing, and preparation and cooking times. They aid in minimizing waste and maximizing earnings by taking into consideration these numerous elements.
12. Attractions Manager
Crowds gather at tourist destinations around the world. At amusement parks, landmarks, historical locations, and monuments, people congregate to celebrate, learn, or just take in the view. Operations are managed by attractions managers to improve tourist experiences. For instance, the manager of attractions of a national park might be in charge of managing staffing, training park rangers, crowd management, and safety procedures. At a historical site, they are frequently in charge of handling budgets, dealing with the media, supervising educators, and collaborating with nearby companies to promote events. In addition to taking care of the needs and concerns of their team, active multitaskers who manage attractions thrive on generating wonderful tourist experiences.
13. Social Media Strategist
In today’s hyperconnected world, social media strategists play a crucial role in every business. As more and more people plan their trips and make hotel reservations online, positions like this one becoming more crucial in the travel and hospitality industries. Social media strategists help their clients (resorts, tour operators, hotels, or other businesses) gain online exposure by linking them with potential customers and figuring out the most effective ways to appeal to them on social media.
These tech-savvy hospitality gurus might organize promotions and online-only bargains in order to gain a social media following. A successful social media strategy is essential for businesses today, and the social media strategist plays a crucial role in this. Aspiring social media strategists in the hospitality sector can gain the necessary skills in digital marketing and development by enrolling in a certificate program like UCF Online’s Hospitality and Tourism Technologies Certificate program.
14. Sommelier
A career as a sommelier can be excellent for you if you enjoy wine (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?!). To successfully guide and impress your diners, you’ll need in-depth understanding of wine, wine pairing, and the fermentation process.
15. Travel agent
It can be really rewarding to plan a unique trip for your clients, especially if it’s an experience of a lifetime. Additionally, one benefit of being a travel agent is that you get to travel frequently, giving you a better understanding of the services, you offer to your clients.
16. Front of house manager
A front of house manager is a term used in the hospitality business to describe the manager in charge of the day-to-day operations of catering, including the hotel restaurant and café. They make sure customers are seated, at ease, and receiving the best service possible.
17. Wedding planner
To make sure that a client’s special day is as unforgettable as possible, many hotel venues employ their own wedding planners. Getting a regular job with a hotel might be the ideal situation if you’re creative and enjoy throwing great parties.
18. Maintenance worker
Baggage porters, also referred to as bellhops, are uniformed hotel front desk staff members. The main responsibility of the position is to transport visitors’ luggage from the lobby to their rooms and back again after they depart. It is a straightforward but vital role for any hotel or lodging facility.
19. Busser
Bussing is not the most glamorous job in the hospitality industry, it is true. But clearing the tables and making sure that guests are consuming their meals and drinks on a clean surface is crucial, especially in this day and age when cleanliness is more important than ever before!
20. Theme Park manager
While a theme park manager may occasionally ride the roller coaster for work-related reasons, the main goal of the position is to guarantee that the visitors have a positive experience. In order to achieve this, a few daily behind-the-scenes tasks must be completed, including managing staff, maintaining and developing strategies, settling employee contracts, and making sure the amusement park’s various components are operating properly.
FAQS on Best careers in hospitality
What is the Average Pay for Hospitality Careers?
The median annual compensation for almost all hospitality jobs is roughly $50,000, while some can earn as much as $100,000. Your pay may vary according to the nature of your work, your level of expertise, and even your location.
As of May 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides information on the median annual pay for a few particular jobs in the hospitality sector. These data indicate that, on average, cooks make $48,460 per year, food service managers $54,240, motel managers $53,390, and meeting and event planners $48,370. According to PayScale.com, the average annual wage for casino managers is $102,494, which is the highest figure among the categories. Along with food and beverage directors ($67,216), catering directors ($59,685), cruise directors ($57,676), social media strategists ($51,869), and attractions managers ($42,979), PayScale also keeps track of their yearly salaries.
Is being a hotel manager a good job?
Overall, this is one of the hardest and most competitive hotel positions. It is one of the most lucrative positions in the hotel sector, though, because of the benefits that come with it.
What is the average salary of a hospitality manager?
As of May 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides information on the median annual pay for a few particular jobs in the hospitality sector. These data indicate that, on average, cooks make $48,460 per year, food service managers $54,240, motel managers $53,390, and meeting and event planners $48,370.
Conclusion
There should be one general rule that governs the workforce: pleasant jobs call for pleasant individuals. And recently, one industry has needed amiable people more than ever.
Hotels, restaurants, and meeting spaces are just a few examples of the hospitality sector’s exponential growth. The hospitality sector employs 12.4 million people now, or roughly 8.6 percent of all employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2024, it is expected that the hospitality sector would expand by 17%, creating 2.2 million new jobs. When the economy is doing well, there is a lot of money available that may be used for vacation. Compared to 20 years ago, people are more knowledgeable about topics like wine and travel locations “says Jeffrey Catrett, head of the Les Roches School of Hospitality Management at Kendall College. “A significantly larger hospitality and leisure market has emerged as a result.”
Some people avoid working in the hospitality sector due to factors like long hours and low compensation; they are frequently unaware of the advantages, such as chances for growth and six-figure salaries.
Any of the positions on this list can be excelled at if you have excellent customer service abilities. Simply make sure you appreciate the hospitality position you select. Face-to-face interaction with people might be difficult, but if you’re driven to improve people’s experiences, this is a terrific career option for you.
Recommended for you:
English 
العربية 
Deutsch 
हिन्दी 
简体中文 