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Outlook for Restaurant and Hospitality Jobs

See what the future holds for restaurant and hospitality jobs.

If you're looking for hospitality jobs, here's some good news. Employment in the industry has been consistently growing, and it's projected to continue for several more years. However, if you want management positions in hospitality companies like restaurants, hotels, casinos and spas, be prepared to face more competition than they would for non-management jobs.

But you'll have the upper hand if you get the right restaurant management training.

Restaurant Jobs

With the National Restaurant Association (NRA) stating that industry sales are forecast to top $1 trillion for the first time in history, and the nation's second-largest private sector employer is on track to add 200,000 jobs, they anticipate the national total employment will be 15.7 million people in 2024.

What does this all mean for aspiring restaurant managers? While there is opportunity in the restaurant industry, the downside is:

• Competition is strong: In 2024, 45% of operators expect competition to be more intense than last year. 
• Costs are up: 98% of operators say higher labor costs are an issue for their restaurant. 97% cite higher food costs. 38% say their restaurants were not profitable last year.

Hotel Jobs

Hotel and lodging businesses make up another healthy sector of the hospitality job market. The most recent information from the American Hotel and Lodging Association shows that the industry will bring roughly $96 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024.

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.

_{Sources: National Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association}