The Definitive Guide To Working in The Hospitality Industry In 2022 (USA)

If you're considering a career in hospitality, this is the guide for you. The Definitive Guide To Working in Hospitality Industry In 2022 (USA) provides an overview of the industry and its current state in America. It covers common job titles and their descriptions, as well as expected salaries in the field. Finally, it offers tips on how to break into the hospitality industry. Whether you're looking for a change of pace or are just starting out, this guide will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Table of content:

Chapter 1. Overview of employment in the hospitality industry in the USA.

Chapter 2. Reasons to work in hospitality.

Chapter 3. Most common job titles in hospitality and their descriptions.

Chapter 4. Salaries in hospitality in the USA.

Chapter 5. Outlook for the hospitality industry.

Chapter 6. Tips how to get a job in hospitality.

Chapter 1. Overview of employment in the hospitality industry in the USA.

In the United States, employment in the hospitality industry is a major source of jobs. According to the National Restaurant Association, there were more than 1 million restaurants in the United States, which employed more than 15.6 million people in 2021. The hospitality industry includes hotels, resorts, casinos, and other businesses that serve travelers and tourists.

The hospitality industry is growing rapidly in the United States. Between 2010 and 2020, employment in the hospitality industry grew by nearly 20%. This growth was driven by an increase in travel and tourism as well as a growing desire for Americans to eat out at restaurants.

In addition to job growth, wages in the hospitality industry are also rising. Between 2010 and 2020, average wages for workers in the hospitality industry increased by more than 10%.

There are many different types of jobs available in the hospitality industry. The most common type of job is working in a restaurant as a server or cook. Other common jobs include working as a hotel manager or clerk, working in a casino, or working at a resort. There are also many jobs available for those who want to work behind-the-scenes in the hospitality industry such as event planners, marketing professionals, and HR managers.

The vast majority of workers in the hospitality industry are employed full-time. However, there are also many opportunities for part-time and seasonal work. Many workers take advantage of these opportunities to earn extra money while they are attending school or raising a family.

Lodging

The lodging sector comprises hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and bed & breakfasts. There are over 9 million hotel rooms in the United States. The occupancy rate for hotels was 65.4% in 2016 and is expected to reach 69% by 2023. Average daily room rates have also been increasing steadily and are expected to reach $160 by 2023.

Food & Beverage Service

The food & beverage service sector includes restaurants, bars, caterers, and other foodservice businesses. There are over 1 million restaurants in the United States. The restaurant industry is projected to grow at a rate of 3% per year between 2016 and 2026. Employment in this sector is also expected to grow at a similar rate during this period.

Event Planning

Event planners organize various types of events such as conventions, conferences, meetings, weddings etc. There are over 61 thousand event planning businesses in the United States. Employment in this sector grew at a rate of 4% between 2014 and 2022 according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Theme Parks

Theme parks include amusement parks, water parks, zoos etc, which offer entertainment for families and children. There are more than 5 thousand theme and amusement parks operating across the country. According to data from IBIS World Industry Research Report, employment growth in this sector is expected to be 2% between 2022 and 2025.

Source: Statista

Chapter 2. Reasons to work in hospitality.

The hospitality industry is a broad category of fields within the service sector that includes lodging, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise line, and additional fields within the tourism industry. The hospitality industry is a billion dollar industry that relies on the happiness of its customers to function.

There are many reasons why someone might want to work in the hospitality industry. Here are six reasons:

1) Variety.

The hospitality industry is huge and offers a ton of variety. There are so many different types of businesses that fall under the umbrella of “hospitality” that there's bound to be something for everyone.

2) Customer Service.

If you enjoy working with people and making them happy, then a job in hospitality is perfect for you! Every day will be different and you'll get to meet new people from all over the world.

3) Travel Opportunities.

Many jobs in the hospitality industry involve travel. If you love to explore new places and experience different cultures, then working in this field will allow you to do that while getting paid!

4) Flexibility.

Hospitality jobs are often very flexible, especially if you're willing to work odd hours or weekends. This can be great for students or parents who need a job that won't interfere with their school or family obligations.

5) Career Advancement.

There are many opportunities for career advancement in the hospitality industry. With hard work and dedication, it's possible to move up quickly in this field.

6) Fun Environment.

Last but not least, working in the hospitality industry can be really fun! If you have a positive attitude and enjoy being around people, you'll probably find yourself enjoying your job no matter what specific position you hold.

Chapter 3. Most common job titles in hospitality and their descriptions.

7 common jobs in hospitality and their in-depth descriptions are:

1) Front Desk Clerk.

The front desk clerk is the first point of contact for guests at a hotel, motel, or other lodging facility. They are responsible for greeting guests, checking them in, and providing them with information about the property and its amenities. Additionally, they may also be responsible for handling guest complaints and concerns.

2) Housekeeper.

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning guest rooms and public areas of a hotel or other lodging facility. Their duties may include making beds, vacuuming floors, dusting furniture, and replenishing linens and towels. Additionally, they may also be responsible for laundering dirty linens and towels.

3) Bellhop / Porter.

Bellhops / porters are responsible for assisting guests with their luggage when they arrive at a hotel or other lodging facility. Additionally, they may also be responsible for running errands for guests or delivering messages to their room.

4) Room Service Server.

Room service servers are responsible for taking orders from guests who wish to have food delivered to their room at a hotel or other lodging facility. They must accurately take down the order and then relay it to the kitchen staff so that it can be prepared correctly. Once the food is ready, they must deliver it to the guest's room promptly and courteously.

5) Restaurant Server.

Restaurant servers are responsible for taking orders from customers and serving them food and drinks in a timely manner. Additionally, they should provide excellent customer service by being attentive to customers' needs and addressing any problems that may arise during their dining experience.

6) Bartender.

Bartenders are responsible for preparing alcoholic beverages such as cocktails according to recipes, as well as mixing non-alcoholic drinks such as juices or sodas upon request. They must also maintain cleanliness standards in their work area, as well as provide excellent customer service by being attentive to customers' needs and desires.

7) Chef.

Chefs are responsible for overseeing all aspects of food preparation in a restaurant or other foodservice establishment including menu planning; ingredient ordering; supervising kitchen staff; ensuring food quality; plating dishes; monitoring inventory levels; creating new recipes or conducting cooking demonstrations.

Chapter 4. Salaries in hospitality in the USA.

In the United States, salaries in hospitality can vary greatly depending on the type of position and the location. For example, a hotel manager in New York City is likely to earn much more than a hotel manager in a small town. Similarly, a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant is going to earn more than a chef at a local diner.

Of course, there are many other factors that can affect salaries in hospitality, such as experience and education. But overall, the industry offers good opportunities for advancement and earning potential.

Here is an overview of some common positions in hospitality and their average salaries in the United States (BLS data as for May 2021):

  • waiters and waitresses, $26,000
  • bartender, $26,350
  • cook, $53,380
  • maid, $26,220
  • bellhop, $31,417
  • front desk agent, $29,130

As you can see from these examples, salaries in hospitality can be very different depending on the position and location. However, there are some general trends that emerge when looking at data across all positions and locations. For instance:

  • The median salary for all positions in hospitality is around $49,470 per year.
  • Salaries tend to be higher in larger cities and coastal resort towns.
  • Experience generally leads to higher earnings potential; for example, chefs with 10+ years of experience typically earn significantly more than those just starting out.

Overall, working in hospitality can be a great way to earn a good living - especially if you're willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from your peers. With so many different types of positions available across numerous locations throughout the country, there's definitely something for everyone when it comes to finding a job in this field.

Sources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

University of Central Florida

Chapter 5. Outlook for the hospitality industry.

The hospitality industry in the United States is a large and diverse collection of businesses that provide services to customers. The industry includes hotels, restaurants, event planning, theme parks, and transportation companies. It employs over 15 million people in the United States, making it one of the largest employers in the country.

The hospitality industry is expected to grow in the coming years. The restaurant industry is projected to grow by 3 percent annually between 2016 and 2026, while the hotel industry is projected to grow by 2.6 percent during that same time period. This growth is being driven by an increase in travel and tourism as well as a growing demand for higher-quality experiences.

The outlook for the hospitality industry varies depending on which segment you look at but overall it remains positive. With continued growth in travel and tourism as well as a growing demand for quality experiences, there will continue to be opportunities for those looking to enter or expand their career in this field.

Chapter 6. Tips how to get a job in hospitality.

The hospitality industry in the United States is a vast and ever-growing sector that offers a plethora of job opportunities for those with the right skillset. While the competition for jobs can be stiff, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of landing a position in this field.

Here are five tips on how to get a job in the hospitality industry in the USA:

1. Get experience.

One of the best ways to break into the hospitality industry is to gain relevant work experience. Many entry-level positions will require at least some prior experience working in customer service or a related field. If you don't have any direct experience, try to look for positions that would give you transferable skills, such as working as a server in a restaurant or as a front desk clerk at a hotel.

2. Develop your skills.

In addition to gaining relevant work experience, it's also important to develop key skills that are essential for success in the hospitality industry. These include excellent customer service skills, strong communication abilities, and multitasking prowess. You can develop these skills by taking courses or attending training programs offered by professional organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

3. Get certified

Pursuing certification through AHLEI or another organization can also help you stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions. Certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and gives potential employers an indication of your skill level.

4. Network.

Another great way to increase your chances of getting hired in the hospitality industry is by networking with professionals who work in this field. Attend events hosted by local chapters of national organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI) or Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), or connect with people working in this field on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Participating in these types of activities will help you make valuable contacts who could eventually lead to job opportunities down the road.

5. Stay positive.

Finally, it's important not to get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, so there will always be new opportunities arising. Just remember to stay positive and keep putting yourself out there - eventually, all your hard work will pay off!