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Job outlook for multi-unit managers in the United States
Multi-unit manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected multi-unit manager job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 189,200 new jobs for multi-unit managers are projected over the next decade.
Multi-unit manager salaries have increased 4% for multi-unit managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 249,231 multi-unit managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 369,227 active multi-unit manager job openings in the US.
The average multi-unit manager salary is $64,703.
Are multi-unit manager jobs in demand?
Multi-unit manager job and salary trends over time
Multi-unit manager jobs over time
Multi-unit manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 249,231 | 0.07% |
| 2020 | 196,002 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 200,416 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 191,188 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 184,712 | 0.06% |
Average multi-unit manager salary over time
Multi-unit manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,703 | $31.11 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $62,911 | $30.25 | --0.1% |
| 2023 | $63,005 | $30.29 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $62,680 | $30.13 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $61,994 | $29.80 | +1.6% |
Multi-unit manager jobs by state
Most common states for multi-unit managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 556 | 80% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 647 | 67% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 892 | 66% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,803 | 57% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,721 | 56% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,831 | 56% |
| 7 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,660 | 55% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 3,077 | 55% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3,265 | 54% |
| 10 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,689 | 54% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 299 | 52% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 3,131 | 51% |
| 13 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 2,488 | 51% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 6,359 | 50% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 5,214 | 50% |
| 16 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 3,325 | 50% |
| 17 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 2,243 | 50% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 5,084 | 49% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,519 | 49% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 517 | 49% |
Most common cities for multi-unit managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agawam Town | 1 | 3% | $69,037 |
| 2 | Gainesville | 1 | 3% | $62,617 |
| 3 | Bedford | 1 | 2% | $61,645 |
| 4 | Columbus | 1 | 2% | $50,817 |
| 5 | Keller | 1 | 2% | $61,629 |
| 6 | Cape Coral | 2 | 1% | $63,284 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $46,317 |
| 8 | Hialeah | 2 | 1% | $63,184 |
| 9 | Boynton Beach | 1 | 1% | $63,089 |
| 10 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $57,198 |
| 11 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $63,139 |
| 12 | Grand Prairie | 1 | 1% | $61,677 |
| 13 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $69,885 |
| 14 | Oakland | 2 | 0% | $69,781 |
| 15 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $67,291 |
| 16 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $61,675 |
| 17 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $62,525 |
| 18 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $62,101 |
| 19 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $83,244 |
Multi-Unit Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of multi-unit manager experts
University of Memphis
University of New Hampshire
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Murray State University
Temple University
University of South Florida
Texas A&M University
New Mexico State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Coastal Carolina University
Highline College
Indiana University Kokomo
Texas Tech University
University of San Francisco
San Francisco State University
Dr. Robert Meuret
James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Fellow, Distilling, Wine, and Brewing Studies FacultyWhat Multi-Unit Manager 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 general advice would you give to a Multi-Unit Manager?
Dr. Oliver Jones: In the next 3-5 years, certain skills are expected to become increasingly important and prevalent in the hospitality field. These may include: Technological Proficiency, Adaptability and Resilience, Sustainability Awareness, and Cultural Competence.
What general advice would you give to a Multi-Unit Manager?
Xiaodan Mao-Clark Ph.D.: To maximize starting salary, students should network, gain relevant work experience, and negotiate for fair compensation and relocation packages during job interviews. Researching salary ranges and adjusting for cost of living are also important.
What Multi-Unit Manager 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 Multi-Unit Managers 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 Multi-Unit Manager?
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 Multi-Unit Manager 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 Multi-Unit Managers 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 Multi-Unit Manager?
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 Multi-Unit Manager 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 Multi-Unit Managers 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 will help Multi-Unit Managers 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.
Bobbie Barnes
Associate Professor in ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Hospitality Administration/Management
What Multi-Unit Manager 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.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Multi-Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
What general advice would you give to a Multi-Unit Manager?
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 Multi-Unit Managers 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 Multi-Unit Manager 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 will help Multi-Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Po-Ju Chen Ph.D.: - Guest services skills are becoming even more important in the Post Pandemic Era
- Be technologically savvy especially the interactive technologies, generative AI, etc.
- Willing to learn
- Teamwork
- Effective listening skills - pay attention to issues, concerns and guest complaints to identify root problem.
- Problem-solving skills - Find solutions to resolve issues
What will help Multi-Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Erinn Tucker-Oluwole PhD: After an offer is made, review all of the responsibilities of the position. Ask for a salary increase. If the number is fixed, then ask for other benefits that are offered by the company which may include e.g. transportation, mobile phone, extra vacation time, professional development funds, etc.
What Multi-Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jean Hertzman Ph.D., CCE, CSW, CSS: A passion for serving others, communication, team work, critical thinking, and technical skills and knowledge will never go out of style. However, marketing and social media skills, data analytics, a focus on sustainability, and the ability to work with and develop technology such as AI and robots are increasingly important in all areas of hospitality.
What general advice would you give to a Multi-Unit Manager?
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 Multi-Unit Manager 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 Multi-Unit Managers 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.
Sun-Hwa Kim
Associate Professor at Marketing, HRTM, and LawCoastal Carolina University
Hospitality Administration/Management
What Multi-Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sun-Hwa Kim: Do your research. Understand the average starting salary for your position and location. Don't be afraid
to negotiate your staring salary, even for your first job. Be prepared to highlight your skills, experience,
and the unique value bring to the table.
Compensating goes beyond just your base salary. Consider other benefits like bonuses and paid time off,
and HR programs that your organization offers.
Salary is important. However, don't lose sight of company culture, growth opportunities and overall fit.
If you like the job and people but the initial offer falls short, consider accepting with a plan to negotiate
internally over time. You can have earning opportunities form within.
What will help Multi-Unit Managers increase their earning potential?
Sun-Hwa Kim: I don't have any social media accounts including Linkedin.
Justin Taillon
Professor & Department HeadHighline College
Hospitality Administration/Management
What Multi-Unit Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Justin Taillon: There are a lot of interesting trends. Yet, one trend is so much more important than everything else that I want to focus on it: The ability to turn data into information. As the famous quote goes, "You can't manage what you don't measure." We have moved to a data-based decision-making model for nearly everything. Those who comprehend statistics, data analysis processes, and how to make wise decisions based on an in-depth comprehension of data will be the top people in the future. The specific software someone needs to know is based on the company and area of hospitality they enter. Thus, beyond my recommendation that everyone learn advanced levels of Excel, make sure you speak to successful professionals in your career areas so you are up to date on data analysis processes and software.
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 Multi-Unit Manager?
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.
Charlie Adams Ph.D.
Associate Professor, RHIM Undergraduate AdvisorTexas Tech University
Restaurant, Hotel, & Institutional Management Program
What skills stand out on Multi-Unit Manager 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!
Thomas Maier Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Hospitality ManagementUniversity of San Francisco
School of Management
What soft skills should all Multi-Unit Managers possess?
Thomas Maier Ph.D.: Creating a transformational organization, building a positive and inclusive work culture.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Multi-Unit Managers?
Thomas Maier Ph.D.: Financial acumen, technology systems, and data analysis.
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.
Professor of International BusinessSan Francisco State University
Department of International Business
What skills stand out on Multi-Unit Manager 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 hard/technical skills are most important for Multi-Unit Managers?
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 Multi-Unit Managers 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
What soft skills should all Multi-Unit Managers 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