What Is the Average Salary for Hospitality and Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

The hospitality and tourism industry is a thriving sector that has continued to grow over the years. It is a service-oriented field that caters to the needs of tourists and travelers.

The industry includes hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, theme parks, and many other businesses that cater to tourists’ needs. One of the most important aspects of any career is financial stability – so let’s take a look at the average salary for hospitality and tourism professionals.

Average Salary for Hospitality and Tourism

The salaries in this industry vary widely based on factors such as job type, location, experience level, and education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2020, the median annual wage for all occupations was $41,950.

Hotel Managers

Hotel managers oversee hotel operations such as housekeeping, front desk activities, reservations management, and guest services. According to BLS reports from May 2020, hotel managers earn an average salary of $56,810 per year.

Chefs and Head Cooks

Chefs and head cooks are responsible for food preparation in restaurants or hotels. They create menus; hire staff; plan meals; estimate food needs; order food supplies; maintain inventory records; supervise kitchen staff; and ensure quality control in food preparation. Based on BLS reports from May 2020, chefs and head cooks earn an average salary of $51,530 per year.

Travel Agents

Travel agents help customers plan their trips by booking flights or accommodations or arranging tours or excursions. They also advise clients on visa requirements and travel advisories relevant to their destination countries. According to BLS reports from May 2020, travel agents earn an average salary of $40,660 per year.

Meeting Planners

Meeting planners organize and coordinate events such as conferences, conventions, and trade shows. They handle everything from booking venues to arranging transportation and accommodations for attendees. Based on BLS reports from May 2020, meeting planners earn an average salary of $52,630 per year.

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are responsible for ensuring passenger safety and comfort during flights. They also provide food and beverage service on board. According to BLS reports from May 2020, flight attendants earn an average salary of $58,000 per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the hospitality and tourism industry provides a wide range of job opportunities with varying salaries. The salary ranges depend on the type of job you do in the industry. As with any other career field, it is important to consider personal interests and passions when deciding which hospitality or tourism job to pursue.