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Job outlook for hospitality associates in the United States
Are hospitality associate jobs in demand?
Hospitality associate job and salary trends over time
Hospitality associate jobs over time
Hospitality associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,066 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,117 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,212 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,159 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,045 | 0.00% |
Average hospitality associate salary over time
Hospitality associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,909 | $16.30 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $32,849 | $15.79 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $31,941 | $15.36 | +2.6% |
| 2022 | $31,127 | $14.96 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $30,569 | $14.70 | +1.8% |
Hospitality associate jobs by state
Most common states for hospitality associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 127 | 10% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 97 | 10% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 120 | 9% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 556 | 8% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 46 | 7% |
| 7 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 424 | 6% |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 374 | 6% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 217 | 6% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 64 | 6% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 579 | 5% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 458 | 5% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 34 | 5% |
| 14 | New York | 19,849,399 | 743 | 4% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 576 | 4% |
| 16 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 521 | 4% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 349 | 4% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 255 | 4% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 213 | 4% |
| 20 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 165 | 4% |
Most common cities for hospitality associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | 8 | 25% | $26,106 |
| 2 | Belmont | 5 | 20% | $39,658 |
| 3 | Wellesley | 4 | 14% | $39,683 |
| 4 | Lexington | 3 | 10% | $39,660 |
| 5 | Warwick | 4 | 5% | $35,579 |
| 6 | Leesburg | 2 | 4% | $29,819 |
| 7 | El Paso de Robles | 1 | 3% | $40,882 |
| 8 | Medford | 1 | 2% | $39,644 |
| 9 | Pittsfield | 1 | 2% | $39,942 |
| 10 | Joliet | 1 | 1% | $31,683 |
| 11 | Livermore | 1 | 1% | $41,023 |
| 12 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $39,640 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $28,064 |
| 14 | Buffalo | 1 | 0% | $36,376 |
| 15 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $34,165 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $26,402 |
| 17 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $25,822 |
Hospitality Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of hospitality associate experts
Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Kansas State University
Missouri State University
University of Central Florida
Florida International University
Missouri State University
ICHRIE
Kennesaw State University
University of New Orleans
Temple University
What general advice would you give to a Hospitality Associate?
Mamie Hertel II: Gain diverse experiences to distinguish yourself, such as obtaining a commercial pesticide applicator’s license, pursuing a minor in business or acquiring certificates in relevant fields (e.g., Landscape, V&E;), ideally supplementing with proficiency in Spanish. Foster connections and exude confidence in interviews without overemphasis. Articulate convincingly why you are the ideal candidate. Embrace collaborative work, honing excellent communication skills and a passion for teaching, even in research roles. Anticipate your professional trajectory, recognizing the growing demand for adept managers in controlled environment horticulture. Extend your skill set beyond academia through online courses and workshops, preparing for potential relocations to regions where your expertise is valued. Pursue specialization through certifications or advanced degrees, while actively building a robust professional network.
What will help Hospitality Associates increase their earning potential?
Mamie Hertel II: Consistently show up on time and take initiative, striving to exceed expectations. Embrace opportunities to expand your skill set with emerging technologies and bring fresh ideas to the table. Foster positive relationships with your team, demonstrating grace and respect to all, regardless of position. Clarify your long-term objectives and understand the purpose behind your endeavors, including your aspirations three years post-MS. Though compensation may be modest during your graduate studies, rewards will come later. Seek practical experience and professional connections through internships or entry-level roles.
Joe Conto
Associate ProfessorPaul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Business & Hospitality
What hard/technical skills are most important for Hospitality Associates?
Joe Conto: As a hiring manager in high-end hotels and country clubs, I paid little attention to most technical skills. If an applicant possesses the soft skills outlined above, I was typically certain that training could provide the necessary technical skills. Therefore, I always advise students to "work on purpose" during internships and other work experiences in order to not only learn hard skills but also develop the soft skills listed above.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospitality Associate job market given the pandemic?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: With restaurants the change will not be as substantial as with hotels. Food service operations have done an amazing job of pivoting and although the operations as well as employees have been hurt many have kept some hours. When the economy opens back up these employees will be much busier.
Hotels, especially convention hotels, are in the most challenging position as many of their teams have been substantially reduced. These hotels and event centers will be faced with the unprecedented task of logistically reopening multiple properties across the country and around the world to the pre Covid levels of demand. With so many employees no longer working it will strain many systems to ramp back up. Once busy hotels have only skeleton staffs and it will require hiring, training, and enculturating and entire new team.
How have salaries changed over time for Hospitality Associates?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: We do not know at this juncture what is going to happen to salaries and wages. For the employees who went to work in other industries and may be being paid more the hospitality industry will need to up their pay to compete. The housekeeping staff or front desk staff who are now working for Amazon or Target for $15/hour may find that their original job may not offer some of the same luster as it once did. At least in Kansas City it will be interesting to see where hotels find exceptional employees. The market was extremely tight prior to Covid and based on some anecdotal evidence some employers are already finding it difficult to hire seasoned hospitality employees to work in culinary positions.
The next few months will provide an opportunity to hire, train, and develop a new team and it will create a unique opportunity for the talented leadership to shine when it comes to putting their best efforts into their number one asset: their team.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospitality Associate job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: With the COVID-19 vaccine is more easily accessible, we anticipate the hospitality industry will see a significant increase in consumer demand in a relatively short amount of time. The quick rebound will most likely put added pressure on the labor market. Those employees that were furloughed due to COVID may have found new jobs outside of the hospitality industry, thereby decreasing the experienced talent pool. The supply of talent will likely not keep up with demand. This may prove to advantageous for soon to be graduates looking for their first professional position in the hospitality industry.
What soft skills should all Hospitality Associates possess?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: Now, more than ever, graduates need to possess strong communication skills, adaptability, creative thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively with others in both a face-to-face and digital environment.
How have salaries changed over time for Hospitality Associates?
Dr. Stephanie Hein: Salaries for hospitality professionals have continued to climb particularly as the skill set needed to succeed becomes more complex. Additionally, the short supply of talent has also been a contributing factor in the increase of salary ranges.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospitality Associate job market given the pandemic?
Gisele Canova: The biggest job market trend in hospitality is the availability of employment in secluded destinations, including luxury beach and mountain resorts. A current trend in major cities that are seeing a spike in business such as Orlando for example, is the immediate need of qualified professionals willing to be flexible to work with a limited workforce. After dramatic cuts last year, we are seeing upper, entry-level management and hourly positions opening in Orlando but until the staffing levels reach the pre-covid era, managers and staff are wearing many hats to run the operations.
Lourdes Torres
Assistant Director, Employer RelationsFlorida International University
Career Development Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospitality Associate job market given the pandemic?
Lourdes Torres: Currently, a number of partners/employers are expressing a need for students with the skillsets and availability to work remotely. The permanent rise in remote work is an increasing trend I see not only for now, but for the foreseeable future. In addition, there will also be an increased wave of requests for students who are open to experimentation and innovation regarding flexible/hybrid work roles.
What Hospitality Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lourdes Torres: I would say the top skills that students should try to enhance and are being requested from our corporate partners are:
-Creativity and innovation
-Project management skills
-Technological skills
-Communication
-Critical Thinking
FIU students can learn more about these areas by taking courses through a platform called 'LinkedIn Learning.' LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that enables FIU faculty, staff, and students to discover and develop skills through an online library of high-quality expert-led videos. It is free for all students and they can login and register through their FIU accounts. I do, however, encourage graduates if they can to pursue taking online courses/certifications. There are many free and paid resources available online.
What general advice would you give to a Hospitality Associate?
Lourdes Torres: I would tell graduates to be open to change, keep moving forward, and prepare for your future!
Dr. Jerry Masterson Ph.D.
Professor, Program Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (MPS/MSIS)Missouri State University
Graduate College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hospitality Associate job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jerry Masterson Ph.D.: Moving online and global.
What skills stand out on Hospitality Associate resumes?
Dr. Jerry Masterson Ph.D.: Our students get a leadership perspective from multiple disciplines. Business, psychology, communication, computer science, professional writing. This perspective might allow them to work with most anyone as they will understand the language of the discipline.
What general advice would you give to a Hospitality Associate?
Steve Hood: Hospitality and tourism graduates of 2020 are faced with a similar challenge as hotels in the current COVID situation. Many are having to think outside the box and reinvent themselves. It may mean looking at different chains, different locations, and different roles, but there are still opportunities.
How do you envision technology impacting Hospitality Associates in the next 5 years?
Melih Madanoglu: The technology is expected to have a profound impact on the hospitality business, both for firms and guests. In hotels, robots may be handling most of the housekeeping tasks, with some supervision and programming by humans. Contactless payments through retina recognition technology etc. may become commonplace in hotels and restaurants. Some hotels, restaurants, and airlines may indeed implement various operating modes such as regular, pre-crisis, and crisis. Based on these operating modes, the technology may replace some of the tasks handled by humans. Once the business returns to normal, the technology can switch the entire operation to the regular mode, which may include scheduling, operating procedures, guest communication, etc. In other words, the mode of operation can be both implemented and facilitated by technology.
Markus Schuckert
Professor and DirectorUniversity of New Orleans
Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hospitality Associates?
Markus Schuckert: Currently, graduates are trying to delay graduation and are looking into upgrading their skills, enrolling in graduate or postgraduate programs. With the reopening of the industry and markets, graduates are in a good position because companies can hire well-trained young talents with the latest know-how and skills. Depending on the degree of recovery, I don't expect an enduring impact on graduates.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Hospitality Associates to find work opportunities?
Markus Schuckert: Yes, high-density tourism destinations, like New Orleans, are potentially good places to find work. The industry is able to hire fast if the demand picks up. A part-time job can be rolled over into full-time if needed. Usually, there is an excess supply of jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry, as it is in the service sector in general.
Lindsey Lee Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorTemple University
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hospitality Associates?
Lindsey Lee Ph.D.: I believe there will be a positive, lasting impact of the pandemic on our graduates. They are more agile and experienced with crises-they were able to adapt and innovate at a very fast pace, and future employers should keep their eyes open for recent graduates that have not only endured the pandemic but are able to put book knowledge into practice.