What Is the Salary for Hospitality and Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you considering a career in the hospitality and tourism industry? If so, you may be wondering what kind of salary you can expect. While the salary for this field can vary depending on factors such as location, job title, and experience level, there are some general guidelines that can give you an idea of what to expect.

What Is the Hospitality and Tourism Industry?

Before we dive into salaries, let’s first define what we mean by the hospitality and tourism industry. This industry encompasses a variety of businesses such as hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cruise lines, and more. The common thread among these businesses is that they all provide services to travelers or tourists.

Entry-Level Positions

If you’re just starting out in the hospitality and tourism industry, you’ll likely be looking at entry-level positions such as front desk agent or server. In these roles, you can expect to earn around minimum wage plus tips. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for servers was $11.42 in 2020.

Middle Management Positions

As you gain experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, you may move into middle management positions such as hotel manager or food and beverage manager. In these roles, your salary will increase significantly. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for a hotel manager was $98,601 as of May 2021.

Top-Level Positions

If you reach a top-level position in the hospitality and tourism industry such as CEO or director of operations for a major hotel chain or theme park, your salary can easily reach six figures or more. According to Glassdoor.com, the average base salary for a CEO in the travel and tourism industry was $168,000 per year in 2020.

Location Matters

It’s important to note that the salary for hospitality and tourism jobs can vary based on location. For example, a hotel manager in New York City will likely earn more than a hotel manager in a smaller city or town. Cost of living is also a factor to consider.

Conclusion

In summary, the salary for hospitality and tourism jobs can range from minimum wage plus tips for entry-level positions to six figures or more for top-level positions. Location and experience level also play a role in determining salary. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this industry, it’s important to do your research and consider all factors before making a decision.