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Find a Job You Really Want In
Yes, a career in hotels and resorts is a promising path in 2026. The hotel and resort industry, which encompasses various lodging establishments such as motels and bed-and-breakfast retreats, remains a vital segment of the hospitality sector. With a diverse range of career paths available, you can find opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
The hospitality sector is renowned for its abundant career advancement opportunities. It is particularly suitable for those looking to ascend to management roles without pursuing extensive formal education, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking part-time work while studying.
Here are 12 excellent job opportunities in hotels and resorts:
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Maître D’ Jobs (Overview)
The 7 Best-Paying Jobs in Hotels/Resorts
For those looking to establish a lucrative career in hospitality, gaining relevant experience, education, and training is essential. While pursuing a degree in hospitality management can significantly enhance your prospects, many high-paying positions are accessible through entry-level roles that allow for promotion.
Here are seven of the highest-paying jobs in the hotel and resort industry.
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Average Annual Salary: $48,000
A chef concierge is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service to hotel guests, ranging from arranging special events to securing hard-to-get concert tickets. Understanding guests’ preferences before their arrival is crucial for a chef concierge, who ensures personalized experiences throughout their stay.
Responsibilities include organizing tours, coordinating transportation services, and providing thoughtful gestures for special occasions, enhancing the overall guest experience.
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Hotel Controller
Average Annual Salary: $75,000
A hotel controller manages financial operations, including inventory management and accurate reporting. They audit financial documents and oversee the accounts department, ensuring effective budgeting and cash flow management.
Hotel controllers may oversee a single property or a chain, regularly reporting financial performance to upper management and contributing to strategic planning.
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Average Annual Salary: $55,000
The guest relations manager focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction by training staff, addressing guest requests, and managing various operational duties.
Successful candidates excel in customer service and possess strong leadership skills, often requiring an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hospitality.
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Resort managers handle all operational aspects of a resort, including staff management, inventory procurement, and marketing efforts. Their responsibilities span various departments, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.
Managers may also oversee training programs, contractor hiring, and financial management based on the resort’s scale.
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Average Annual Salary: $35,000
A Maître d’ plays a crucial role in food service at hotels and resorts, ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience. They manage reservations, greet guests, and oversee the restaurant’s ambiance.
Maître d’s are responsible for team efficiency and maintaining service standards across dining operations.
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Hospitality Director
Average Annual Salary: $80,000
Hospitality directors ensure that guest experiences in hotels, resorts, and events are exceptional, overseeing service quality and event catering. They frequently collaborate with clients to tailor services to their needs and work with sales teams to attract new business.
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Average Annual Salary: $40,000
Conference concierges provide personalized services for business events and meetings, assisting attendees with everything from local dining recommendations to event logistics. They work closely with event planners to ensure a seamless experience, requiring excellent organizational and communication skills.
8 Entry-Level Jobs in Hotels/Resorts
Entering the hospitality industry offers a low barrier to entry, making it an attractive career choice for those who enjoy working with people. Numerous pathways exist to advance to management positions without requiring extensive formal education.
Here are eight entry-level roles in hotels and resorts.
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Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Accounting clerks are vital to managing the financial operations of hotels and resorts, providing support for accounts payable and receivable. They handle guest inquiries, mail distribution, and financial recordkeeping.
This role typically requires a high school diploma, but accounting knowledge can enhance your competitiveness.
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Average Annual Salary: $23,000
Activities attendants organize and host events for guests, managing equipment inventory and promoting activities. They should possess high energy and excellent customer service skills to engage guests effectively.
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Average Annual Salary: $50,000
Audio-visual technicians play a crucial role in supporting corporate and personal events at hotels and resorts. They manage the setup, operation, and breakdown of AV equipment, assisting guests with technical support.
A high school diploma and experience in AV technology are typically required, and certifications can further enhance employability.
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Average Annual Salary: $26,000
Barbacks support bartenders by ensuring that the bar is well-stocked and maintained. They keep the bar clean and organized, which is essential for efficient service.
A high school diploma is sufficient for this role, which is vital for the successful operation of any hotel bar.
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Bell Attendant
Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Bell attendants enhance the guest experience by assisting with luggage, greeting guests, and delivering items to rooms. Strong customer service skills are essential for this role.
Prior customer service experience is typically required, along with a high school diploma.
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Average Annual Salary: $65,000
Mini bar attendants are responsible for restocking and maintaining in-room mini bars. They track guest consumption for billing purposes and ensure cleanliness and organization.
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Average Annual Salary: $26,000
Parking attendants manage vehicle retrieval and parking for guests, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience. They maintain safety and cleanliness in parking areas and may assist with luggage.
A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are typically required.
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Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Fitness attendants maintain gym and pool facilities, providing guests with towels and beverages. They respond to guest inquiries and monitor the fitness area for safety. A high school diploma is typically required, along with customer service skills.
Why Choose a Career in Hotels/Resorts?
The hotel and resort industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the 21st century, marked by continuous innovation and evolving job roles. As demand in this field increases, career opportunities expand, attracting new talent. Here are several reasons to consider a career in hotels and resorts.
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Diversity. Working in hospitality allows for interactions with a diverse clientele, providing exposure to various cultures, languages, and perspectives.
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Opportunity. The hospitality industry is well-known for offering extensive growth opportunities, making it an attractive career choice for ambitious individuals.
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Growth. Careers in hotels and resorts promote both professional and personal development, enhancing skills in client relations and teamwork.
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Job satisfaction. If you enjoy helping others, a role in hospitality, such as concierge or Maître D, allows you to make a positive impact on clients’ experiences.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Hotels/Resorts
The educational and certification requirements for careers in hotels and resorts vary significantly by role. Here are some general guidelines.
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Consider a degree in hospitality management. Such programs cover essential areas like service management, food and beverage operations, and hospitality accounting, preparing you for various management roles.
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Hospitality certifications can enhance your employability. Earning relevant certifications can differentiate you from other candidates and improve your job prospects.
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Certifications can facilitate promotions. If you’re already employed in hospitality and aim for advancement, obtaining additional certifications can significantly improve your chances of promotion.
What Do People Working In Hotels/Resorts Do?
Careers in hotels and resorts encompass a wide range of roles, from customer-facing positions to behind-the-scenes functions in marketing, sales, and accounting. These roles include food service positions, which are always in demand due to the essential nature of food in the hospitality experience.
For individuals interested in food service but seeking alternatives to traditional restaurant settings, working in hotels and resorts presents a plethora of opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of customers.
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Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
