Outlook for Hospitality Jobs and Restaurant Jobs

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What Does the Future Hold for Hospitality Jobs?

There's good news for individuals looking for hospitality jobs. Job growth has been steady in the industry over the last few years, and it's projected to continue for several more years. However, those who want management positions in hospitality companies like restaurants, hotels, casinos and spas should be prepared to face more competition than they would for non-management jobs.

Restaurant Jobs

With the National Restaurant Association (NRA) projecting industry sales around $558.3 billion in 2008, and the average American eating out roughly 5.8 times a week, the restaurant industry is obviously doing something right.

Two million new restaurant jobs will be opening between 2007 and 2017 in all sectors of the restaurant business. As for restaurant management jobs, the NRA expects that these jobs will increase 11 percent during the same time period. The NRA also notes that, in general, restaurant job growth "outpaced the overall economy in 2007 for the eighth consecutive year."

What does this all mean for aspiring restaurant managers? The restaurant industry is thriving, which makes this a great time to start a restaurant management career. However, don't expect to land a top position without first paying your dues—unless you plan to open your own restaurant and be your own boss. Expect to find the most restaurant management job opportunities in chain restaurants and fewer opportunities in independently owned and operated establishments.

Hotel Jobs

Hotel and lodging businesses make up another very healthy part of the hospitality industry. The most recent data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association shows that the industry brought in about $133.9 billion in 2006. This was the result of over one billion room nights sold at an average rate of $97.31.

Hospitality jobs in the hotel industry are plentiful. In 2006, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were 1.8 million paid jobs in hotels. (There were also an additional 40,000 hotel workers who were self-employed or unpaid family employees.) While hotel management positions make up a relatively small percentage of these jobs, the BLS expects management opportunities to grow by 21 percent or more by 2016. Hotel employment, in general, should grow by about 14 percent in the same time frame.

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.

Preparing for Hospitality Jobs

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 education in addition to experience. If your career goal is to become a restaurant or hotel manager, getting your education is a good first step.

Related Reading

Find out more about these exciting hospitality jobs:

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

Hospitality & Restaurant Home | Getting Started | Career Center | Find Hospitality Schools | Find Restaurant Management Schools