How Much Does a Hospitality and Tourism Make?

By Anna Duncan

Are you considering a career in hospitality and tourism? One of the most important factors to consider is the potential salary you can earn in this industry.

Hospitality and tourism jobs encompass a wide range of positions, from hotel managers and travel agents to restaurant servers and tour guides. In this article, we will explore the average salaries for various roles within the hospitality and tourism industry.

Hotel Industry Salaries

The hotel industry offers a variety of job opportunities, including front desk clerks, housekeepers, concierges, and managers. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for lodging managers was $54,430 as of May 2020. This includes hotel general managers who can earn up to six-figure salaries depending on their level of experience.

For front desk clerks, the median annual salary is $28,930. Housekeepers and janitors in hotels earn a median hourly wage of $12.98 per hour.

Travel Industry Salaries

The travel industry is another major player in hospitality and tourism. Travel agents help people plan their vacations and book flights, hotels, and rental cars. According to BLS data from May 2020, travel agents earn a median annual salary of $40,660.

Tour guides who lead groups on sightseeing tours can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $16.14 per hour according to PayScale.com.

Food Service Industry Salaries

The food service industry includes everything from fast food restaurants to fine dining establishments. The BLS reports that the median hourly wage for restaurant servers was $11.42 as of May 2020.

Food service managers who oversee restaurant operations can make significantly more money than servers. The median annual salary for food service managers was $56,590 as of May 2020.

Cruise Line Industry Salaries

Working on a cruise ship is another popular career choice in the hospitality and tourism industry. Cruise line employees can work in a variety of roles, including housekeeping, food service, entertainment, and more.

According to data from Indeed.com, the average salary for a cruise ship employee is $2,800 per month. This includes room and board as well as tips.

Conclusion

Overall, salaries within the hospitality and tourism industry can vary greatly depending on the job title and level of experience. While some positions may not pay as well as others, working in this industry can be rewarding for those who enjoy meeting new people and providing exceptional customer service.