When you think about a new career, you search for competitive pay, growth potential, learning opportunities and compatible colleagues.. All this is possible when your new career is in the dynamic, ever-changing, hotel business.
Since the hospitality industry is so diverse, you can start in one position, including part-time work, and grow into a full-time, supervisory, or salaried role. With pay averaging around $23 an hour, you can test run different career paths within the industry
Hotels are hiring at rapid rates – quickly becoming the nation’s fastest growing employers. This includes increased occupancy and employment opportunities for candidates who enjoy helping guests and providing excellent customer service.
Do Hotel Jobs Pay Well?
While working at a hotel is an excellent way to help others as you build your career, it is understandable to ask, “How much does a hotel worker make?”
Whether you are interested in a job as a concierge, general manager, or even executive chef, hotels and resorts have plenty of well-paying positions that need your skills. However, the answer to which hotel pays the most or what a hotel job’s hourly pay is will not be as simple as providing a salary figure. Hotels are quickly increasing their pay for both hourly and salaried employees – with 71% of hotel respondents increasing wages according to a recent AHLA survey. Many factors determine the average hotel job salary, including the property’s location, the company, the position for which you are applying, your previous work experience, and whether you are seeking seasonal work or a part- or full-time position.
Average Compensation for Hotel Workers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, non-supervisory workers in the hospitality industry earn approximately $18.21 per hour as of January 2023. Websites like ZipRecruiter estimate a higher wage of $24.31 per hour for hotel employees.
Your position and seniority impacts an employee’s individual salary.. According to the latest data on Zippia, an entry-level hotel desk clerk starts at around $11 an hour but can make as much as $14.74 an hour, while a concierge begins at around $12.50 and can make up to $16.19 an hour.
Depending on the role, the pay is higher for staff with college degrees or supervisory responsibilities. For example, general managers and chief engineers often earn more than $100,000 yearly, while housekeeping directors make approximately $50,000 annually.
Along with education, experience, and job title, your work location also determines the income potential for hotel jobs. Large cities or highly populated areas like San Francisco, CA, and Alexandria, VA, pay more than hotels in cities with lower living costs. By reviewing the job descriptions for open positions in your area, you can determine the exact pay, benefits, and schedule for the position you are seeking.
Don’t Forget the Perks
Each job within a hotel has intangible benefits, including the opportunity to work with guests, experience new cultures, enjoy robust travel perks and work as part of a diverse team. While pay is certainly an important consideration, perks such as flexible schedules, extended job training, and helping others can be their own reward. The potential to grow in your role or branch into another position over time makes this industry an excellent choice for your budding career.
Along with their take-home pay, more than half of hospitality and leisure workers reported receiving paid sick leave, while over a third of employees had paid vacation days. Health care was available to more than a quarter of these workers. Although not part of your take-home pay, benefits like these are important to consider in your job search and overall compensation analysis.
Is a Hotel Job Right for You?
Given the many variables, it is difficult to quantify exactly how much you will make at a hotel job. Check the average salaries for your area, as well as the latest job boards and salary sites. By determining the average starting point for your education level and work background will help set your expectations, you will set yourself up for success.
Along with medical and sick leave benefits, the hotel industry offers growth potential, a chance to help others, and the opportunity to experience different cultures in a team environment. You may also get to use your creative or analytical skills and take part in on-the-job training and events.
Working in a hotel can be a rewarding profession with the potential for upward mobility and emotional satisfaction. Learn more about the available hospitality positions today!