Outlook for Restaurant and Hospitality Jobs

With the National Restaurant Association (NRA) projecting industry sales around $580 billion in 2010 (equal to four percent of the U.S. gross domestic product), the restaurant industry is obviously doing something right. According to the NRA, a million dollars in restaurant sales creates 34 new jobs. They predict that around 1.3 million new restaurant jobs will be opening by 2020.

What does this all mean for aspiring restaurant managers? While there is opportunity in the restaurant industry, the hospitality jobs at the top of the food chain are fewer and more competitive. Don't expect to land a restaurant management position without first paying your dues—unless you plan to open your own restaurant and be your own boss.

Expect to find the largest number of restaurant management job opportunities in chain restaurants and fewer opportunities in independently owned and operated establishments.

Hotel and lodging businesses make up another healthy sector of the hospitality job market. The most recent data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association shows that the industry brought in roughly $140.6 billion in 2008, with an average occupancy rate of 60.4 percent.

Hospitality jobs in hotels and other lodging establishments are plentiful. In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were about 59,800 jobs for lodging managers. The BLS expects management opportunities in hotels to grow by five percent or more by 2018.

Many factors affect employment opportunities for aspiring hotel managers. More jobs are available in urban areas or popular tourist destinations. There may also be more opportunities for both employment and advancement in large hotel chains. Full-service hotels will also employ more people than limited-service establishments. Growth in both hotel chains and luxury hotels will result in increased employment options for hotel managers.

Whichever sector of the hospitality industry you choose, having a 2- or 4-year degree in restaurant and hospitality management will give you an advantage over the competition. While working your way up to a management job from and entry-level hospitality job is certainly possible, these days, many businesses are looking for job candidates with hospitality management training in addition to experience. If your career goal is to become a restaurant or hotel manager, getting your education is a good first step.

Find out more about these exciting hospitality jobs:

• Casino Management
• Cruise Ship Management
• Hotel Management
• Resort/Spa Management
• Restaurant Management