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Job outlook for general managers in training in the United States
General manager in training job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected general manager in training job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 189,200 new jobs for general managers in training are projected over the next decade.
General manager in training salaries have increased 4% for general managers in training in the last 5 years.
There are over 299,696 general managers in training currently employed in the United States.
There are 380,193 active general manager in training job openings in the US.
The average general manager in training salary is $32,632.
Are general manager in training jobs in demand?
General manager in training job and salary trends over time
General manager in training jobs over time
General manager in training job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 299,696 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 235,689 | 0.07% |
| 2019 | 240,996 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 229,901 | 0.07% |
| 2017 | 222,113 | 0.07% |
Average general manager in training salary over time
General manager in training salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $32,632 | $15.69 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $31,729 | $15.25 | --0.1% |
| 2024 | $31,776 | $15.28 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $31,612 | $15.20 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $31,266 | $15.03 | +1.6% |
General manager in training jobs by state
Most common states for general managers in training
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 604 | 87% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 816 | 61% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 513 | 53% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 308 | 53% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 542 | 52% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,312 | 50% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,383 | 49% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,714 | 49% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,443 | 49% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 2,386 | 49% |
| 11 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,396 | 48% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,013 | 47% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 2,105 | 47% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 4,820 | 46% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,454 | 46% |
| 16 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 5,238 | 45% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 4,646 | 45% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 2,743 | 45% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,400 | 45% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 868 | 45% |
Most common cities for general managers in training
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dalton | 13 | 38% | $29,366 |
| 2 | Olympia | 5 | 10% | $37,987 |
| 3 | Bossier City | 2 | 3% | $30,985 |
| 4 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $31,126 |
| 5 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $33,643 |
General Manager In Training job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of general manager in training experts
University of Memphis
University of New Hampshire
Austin Community College
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Temple University
University of South Florida
Texas A&M University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Highline College
Indiana University Kokomo
Texas Tech University
San Francisco State University
University of New Hampshire
Cypress College, School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
Manhattan College
Dr. Robert Meuret
James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Fellow, Distilling, Wine, and Brewing Studies FacultyWhat general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Dr. Robert Meuret: Ongoing staffing challenges are resulting in historic career opportunities for hotel employees. There are more than 70,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation, according to Indeed. This means that recent graduates can be more selective in employers. Graduates should be interviewing future employers during the interview process. They should seek out employers with a clear path to growth opportunities, supportive management, competitive benefits (health insurance, 401K with match, PTO, etc..,) and of course competitive wages. Seek out managers who will help you meet your goals, not just theirs. As of December 2023, national average hotel wages were at an all-time high of $23.91 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Meuret: Our hotel partners and advisory board members really drive what we teach in the classroom. They advise us on the skills and competencies needed in today’s hotels. Hotels are looking for graduates with strong communication skills. Technical skills are also valued, such as proficiency in Excel and Word. Students also need to learn Revenue Management and how data is now driving decision making on hotel rates, events and guest experience, using tools such as STR reports (Smith Travel Research). Thes skills will still be important in the next 3-5 years. AI has the potential to change the hospitality industry by improving efficiency. It could also personalize customer experiences, identify trends, and reduce operational costs. Managing AI related technology may be the next frontier of hospitality management.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Dr. Oliver Jones: Maximizing salary potential in the hospitality field often requires a combination of factors. Firstly, gaining relevant experience and continually updating skills can enhance marketability and justify higher compensation. Pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in areas such as revenue management, event planning, or hospitality technology can also command higher salaries. Additionally, networking and building a strong professional reputation can lead to opportunities for advancement and higher-paying positions. Lastly, considering geographical locations and industries within hospitality that offer higher salaries, such as luxury hospitality or corporate hospitality, can also impact earning potential.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Mr. Bill Knapp: Entering hospitality is a seller's market, with the industry expanding rapidly post-pandemic. There is a high demand for managers, leading to multiple job offers for graduates and exciting opportunities to lead teams and contribute to management.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mr. Bill Knapp: Hospitality managers focus on providing exceptional guest experiences, planning ahead, understanding operations, and wearing multiple hats such as being human resource managers, buyers, bookkeepers, and technical experts. They must keep up with industry trends, the economy, and new regulations.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaodan Mao-Clark Ph.D.: A career in hospitality and tourism is extremely rewarding. Employers nowadays are looking for candidates with specialized skillsets. Graduates are encouraged to deepen their skills, polish their communication skills, and stay updated with industry trends.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Xiaodan Mao-Clark Ph.D.: Finance and data analytics skills are becoming more important in the hospitality and tourism industry due to increased competition and generative AI. Graduates with these skills will have an advantage in the job market.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Scott Taylor Jr.: This is an interesting question for our field and really is job dependent. I think for a graduate starting their career in hospitality and tourism it will be more about how to budget and plan effectively so that they can enjoy the money they are making no matter what that starting pay is. Going back to my first answer though, being open to new opportunities, learning new things, and a willingness to work more or harder than everyone else goes a long way in an industry that is 24/7 – 365 such as the hospitality and tourism industry.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Taylor Jr.: Understanding how to utilize AI, Data, and Technology in general to understand trends and create interesting experiences for guests will continue to be important skills in the coming years.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Scott Taylor Jr.: Don’t be afraid to take on new roles or learn new skills, this might mean working longer or more hours but, in our industry, the more you know, and the larger skill set you have, especially early in your career the greater number of doors open for you later. Also, given the global nature of our industry if you are open to moving you could find yourself having some great opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Rui Qi Ph.D.: Focus on building your competitive advantages, which can be interdisciplinary. For example, some hospitality students minor in real estate finance to become asset managers for large hotel chains. Others explore the healthcare industry where there is demand for managerial-level employees who oversee the hospitality aspects of healthcare facilities, aiming to improve the experience of patients and their families.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rui Qi Ph.D.: Knowing how to utilize ChatGPT as a tool for self-empowerment, but also using it appropriately.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Rui Qi Ph.D.: Stay curious and make learning a daily habit, especially with AI shaping the industry. Soft skills like communication and adaptability are also key for hospitality students.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Dr. Markus Schuckert: Most important: gain work experience. Relevant work experience and a track record will help you to increase your salary potential. Learn as much as possible about your job, including the roles and responsibilities of your colleagues and the management. An upgrade with relevant micro credentials and great networking are a plus.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Dr. Markus Schuckert: Get hands-on experience as soon as possible and learn to understand your customers as well as related processes in the back office. Try to understand the business from the cost side and what drives the revenues in your particular area. Depending on the company and your career objectives, manager-in-training programs have advantages over an in-line position. Sign up for international work experience programs if your company offers this opportunity. Travel and see the world to learn about your customers, different markets, and competition.
Franklin Marciales
Adjunct ProfessorAustin Community College
Hospitality Administration/Management
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Franklin Marciales: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in hospitality and tourism, focus on developing a unique skillset that is in high demand, such as proficiency in a specific language, expertise in a particular type of cuisine or beverage, or advanced knowledge of hospitality software and systems.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Franklin Marciales: As a graduate entering the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, my main advice would be to be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. I believe students entering the workforce should be prepared to start at the bottom and learn from every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It is also very important to build strong relationships with colleagues and superiors, and be willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities as they arise.
Bobbie Barnes
Associate Professor in ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Hospitality Administration/Management
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bobbie Barnes: Artificial intelligence continues to automate repetitive hospitality tasks providing time for hospitality managers to focus on creating incredible experiences and authentic guest interactions. As such, leadership competencies in strategic and ethical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork will be critical.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Andrew Lovell: I may be a bit “old school” but I strongly believe that a savvy and skilled manager of employee teams will never fall off this list, and likely will be even more valuable in coming years as the mix of multiple generations in the workforce continues. Communicating well with people as you lead is just essential! Second, without question managers that can utilize AI for efficient and positive experience enhancement in their hospitality environments will be highly sought after. Third, the manager that can create budgets and financial plans that contribute to increased profitability will always be important.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Andrew Lovell: Have a thirst for knowledge! Take advantage of training and development opportunities. Apply for the management training program that the HR team or corporate office promotes. Be willing to relocate in order to accelerate your career path – do it once and it’ll be easier the next time an opportunity arises! And of course, I’d recommend exploring a master’s degree program in hospitality management or an MBA program to unlock higher earning potential.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Luana Nanu: To be open to experiences and to start as soon as possible. Our industry is so diverse, branching into so many fields. The more exposed you get the higher the chances of making yourself competitive. Moreover, I would also advice the graduates to make sure they get enough experience before they graduate, be it paid or not paid experience, any learning opportunity counts. Lastly, dream big, don’t give up, and do not take no for an answer.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Luana Nanu: Firstly, digital literacy and technology proficiency will be essential as the sector increasingly employs AI and data analytics to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Secondly, with a growing focus on environmental sustainability, expertise in sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly service innovation will be highly valued, there are so many online opportunities to learn about this and even get certifications. Thirdly, cultural intelligence and diversity awareness will be key for catering to a global clientele, requiring professionals to navigate cultural differences and promote inclusivity. Lastly, adaptability and crisis management skills will be indispensable in responding to rapid changes and challenges, ensuring businesses can thrive amid economic, health, or technological disruptions.
Po-Ju Chen Ph.D.
Professor & Associate Head of Graduate and Undergraduate ProgramsTexas A&M University
Hospitality Administration/Management
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Po-Ju Chen Ph.D.: - Be geographically flexible for more opportunities for their career development.
- Be our future leaders in
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What General Manager In Training skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: 2. Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
Justin Taillon
Professor & Department HeadHighline College
Hospitality Administration/Management
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Justin Taillon: Complete negotiation coursework! My department has negotiation strategy as a core component of our curriculum. This is seemingly abnormal as I do not see negotiation theory in most curriculums. Yet, students consistently tell me that learning negotiation is one of the most important skills they took away from their undergraduate degree with our institution.
At a minimum, learn about your target, reservation point, BATNA, and win/win strategic approaches to negotiation. If you do not know what those are, then you are not ready to maximize your salary potential yet.
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Justin Taillon: Great first question! First, make sure you understand front-line operations. For example, I built my career in lodging. I completed an internship as a housekeeper to ensure I understood this important division that includes room attendants, laundry, mini-bar, uniforms, and more. Approximately 50% of individuals working in a hotel are employed in the housekeeping division. Later in my career, when I applied for a Director of Operations position, I was able to obtain the position because I understood not only front office but also housekeeping. This is similar in other areas. For example, in food and beverage you need to understand front and back of house operations. In the airline industry you should understand what it takes to be a gate agent before moving to flight attendant or even yield management. Secondly, have a career pathway built for yourself. Do not accept a job without thinking about the long-term strategy of how you plan to leverage that position in the future to your career pathway. Third, I believe hospitality professionals can move up faster than most other areas of business. But you need to work harder and smarter in the first few years. When I write 'smart' I mostly mean being methodical with your career pathway decisions. What I experienced and what I have seen colleagues and my recent students do is work hard and smart, and be in director roles in just a few years. Finally, build a think tank. This is 5ish individuals you admire in the industry. Ask them for advice before major decisions. My think tank proved to be the most important thing I took away from my undergraduate degree. Yes, the classes were good and I learned a lot. But the professors, guest speakers, and industry association professionals (e.g., HFTP, MPI, PCMA, CMAA) proved to be at least as important as the courses.
Mark Meng Ph.D.
Mark Z. Meng, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism ManagementIndiana University Kokomo
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a General Manager In Training?
Mark Meng Ph.D.: Analytical skill comes at the top. The hospitality world has becoming increasingly
dependent on data. Crisis and emergency management demonstrated their importance
in the past three years across all areas of the hospitality industry.
What will help General Managers In Training increase their earning potential?
Mark Meng Ph.D.: Keeping that student mindset may increase your potential. Hospitality is different from
traditional STEM, and that means one still has a lot to learn when practicing in the real-
world business. Four-year higher education will only get your foot in the door. In this
fast-changing industry, keep learning new skills and expending your knowledge base
can push you further.
Charlie Adams Ph.D.
Associate Professor, RHIM Undergraduate AdvisorTexas Tech University
Restaurant, Hotel, & Institutional Management Program
What skills stand out on General Manager In Training resumes?
Charlie Adams Ph.D.: Specific, measurable skills such as certification for specific activities like bartending or Serve Safe. Demonstrate capabilities through past work experience such as waiting tables, hosting, front desk, housekeeping, etc., that show effort and familiarity with the environment. Also, demonstration of marketing, sales, and/or finance are extremely beneficial. These assessable skills should be found on the resume called out in the job descriptions. Additionally, a person's work experience should reflect their career aspirations and goals. The best measure of future performance is past experience!
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.
Professor of International BusinessSan Francisco State University
Department of International Business
What skills stand out on General Manager In Training resumes?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: I'm taking my cue on this response from the required Intl Business Courses we offer for a certificate in the Master's programs in business.
-Familiarity with basic international business terms, theories, and vocabulary
-Knowledge of cases and stories from the past
-Multiple language skills beyond English (this sometimes lands people specific jobs)
-Negotiation skills in a multinational/multicultural environment
-Design/creativity skills (e.g., sketching, brainstorming, Idea Mapping, 3D fast prototyping)
-Problem identification/formulation skills/experience
-Experience in a practicum (working on a class project for a real firm on a real problem
What soft skills should all General Managers In Training possess?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Languages beyond English (fluency in written and oral)
-Ability to work collegially in a diverse cultural setting
-Ability to identify good problems on which to work in a competent manner
-Ability/flexibility to interact/work productively with people who have serious constraints on their time owing to other work or personal commitments/issues
-Some of my answers to Q1 above would also apply here
What hard/technical skills are most important for General Managers In Training?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Analytical skills (ability to gather data, clean it, analyze it, write-up results and present on what the meaning of the analysis suggests for action (the last one is most important--"what does it really mean?"
-Some experience and skills with coding in any language (at the moment, Python or C++ are preferred, though Ruby on Rails is also good)
-Deep spreadsheet skills (pivot tables and macros, as examples).
-Relational database skills, including programming (e.g., MySQL)
-Data mining
-AI/Machine Learning experience
What skills will help General Managers In Training earn the most?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Previous internship/practicum experience in the industry
-Ability to identify and solve problems in an effective manner
-Ability to deploy design/creativity tools in the service of finding and solving problems
-Evidence of ability to manage in the relevant non-English language(s)
-Prior job experience/deep training in a related area
-Prior experience/training managing people/teams
-Ability/experience in working in a team and concretely increasing the team's performance in measurable ways
-Ability to speak with and relate well to people at all levels of an organization, including below, peers, above, and outsiders
-Skills (deep) in working in other cultures and respecting the values and conventions of that culture. Multiple cultures would be worth more
Daniel Innis Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing and Hospitality ManagementUniversity of New Hampshire
Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics
What hard/technical skills are most important for General Managers In Training?
Daniel Innis Ph.D.: I think that an understanding of revenue management is key. I tell my students that in every transaction, every party should feel that they made a "profit." The business gets some money. The customer should get more value than the money that they gave up. If that is the case, then they come back. In addition, the ability to spot opportunities for additional revenue is key. We never charge for parking or internet at our properties as that annoys customers. We did, however, offer beer and wine room service (the front desk staff could handle that) at a great price, and we had a gift shop that was right next to the front desk, again staffed when necessary by the front desk. These two moves did not add expenses to our operation, but they did add revenue and profit. Spotting those easy opportunities to add value for guests is key, and it is great when it also adds to the bottom line.
What skills will help General Managers In Training earn the most?
Daniel Innis Ph.D.: With respect to earning, I have to go back to the lifelong learning factor. Employees who are willing to learn, to get dirty on the job (figuratively), and who want to understand an entire operation will do well wherever they go. An open mind, willingness to work hard, and a desire to understand what every employee in every operation experiences helps employees to grow and develop personally and professionally to the benefit of the employer.
Amanda Gargano
ProfessorCypress College, School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
Hotel, Restaurant & Culinary Arts
What skills will help General Managers In Training earn the most?
Amanda Gargano: A combination of soft skills, interpersonal skills, and technical skills is ideal. Oftentimes, hiring managers in hospitality are very willing to onboard a new employee with strong, soft skills, knowing that the technical skills can be taught through on-the-job training and mentoring. Continuing education, participating in networking opportunities, and industry-focused workshops and conferences are all good ways to continue to learn and add to your resume.
What's a good job out of college for General Managers In Training?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Any job where you can learn something new is a good job. In an entry-level position, you should be absorbing as much knowledge as you can, while making a good contribution to the company and the projects you work on. This strategy will make you very valuable, because anything you already know doesn't have to be taught to you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the General Manager In Training job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to address these questions primarily from a mechanical engineering perspective. I believe that one big trend will be an increase in the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Once the pandemic ends, many will go back to the office, but not everyone will, and even those that do may only do so part time. Residential buildings will be occupied more than they were before. Buildings are the largest end users of energy, so an increase in residential building energy efficiency will have to accompany that shift in the workforce.
What technical skills for a General Manager In Training stand out to employers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: I think almost any graduate will finish school with the same skill set in terms of technical knowledge. What can stand out is an ability to code and use various professional-grade software packages - the actual programming languages and software packages are secondary. If you can code in VBA, moving to Matlab or Python is not a big deal - it's just a matter of syntax. If you can use one CFD code or one FEA code, others will be much easier to learn. The foundation will be attractive to employers. Of course, the non-technical skills are SO important as well, most notably communication (speaking and writing).