Skip to content
HomepageBlog
Log in
Research career paths

Top 10 hospitality jobs and who’s hiring

Need work in the hospitality field? Get your foot in the door with this guide to top hospitality jobs and who’s offering them.

Are you a hospitality major looking for a career in the industry? Or maybe you’re a recent or upcoming graduate exploring your job options.

From guest services to special event coordinators, we’ve got plenty of exciting possibilities to explore. And we’ve included a list of companies actively hiring on Handshake.

Take a look, get inspired, and find the career option right for you!

Is hospitality a good career path for you?

A career in hospitality is a great way to combine your passions for customer service, hospitality, and travel. To succeed in the sector, you may need:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • The ability to multitask
  • A great attitude and the drive to go above and beyond for customers
  • A high level of organizational skills
  • The ability to collaborate with other industry professionals
  • Problem-solving skills

Plus, with 1.9 million new jobs expected in hospitality over the next 10 years, there’s no shortage of opportunities for those with the right skill set!

Best degrees for hospitality jobs

Here are some of the best degrees for working in the hospitality industry:

  • Hospitality management. This degree can provide comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, preparing you for roles like hotel general manager, guest services manager, and conference services manager.
  • Business administration. A degree in business administration can help you develop management, marketing, and finance skills, making you an asset in roles like hotel manager, assistant general manager, and operations manager.
  • Culinary arts. A degree in culinary arts can prepare you for roles in food and beverage management, such as executive chef, sous chef, and restaurant manager.
  • Event management. This degree can provide the skills to plan and coordinate events, making you a valuable asset as an event planner, event coordinator, or meeting planner.
  • Tourism and travel management. A tourism and travel management degree can prepare you for roles like a tour guide, destination manager, travel agent, and tour operations manager.

Industries where you can build a hospitality career

While the hospitality industry offers many career opportunities, professionals with hospitality skills can build successful careers in other industries. These industries often value customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Here are some industries where you can build a hospitality career and examples of job types:

  • Health care. The health care industry values hospitality skills in roles like patient services representative, hospitality services coordinator, guest services specialist, and patient experience manager.
  • Retail. Customer service is essential in retail, and professionals with hospitality skills can find success as a customer service manager, store manager, sales manager, or brand ambassador.
  • Real estate. Real estate professionals with hospitality skills can excel as property managers, leasing consultants, real estate agents, or housing coordinators, as these roles involve communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
  • Travel and tourism. With a focus on creating positive customer experiences, hospitality skills are highly valued in travel and tourism. Jobs may include tour guide, travel agent, customer service representative, or flight attendant.

Many companies are hiring for positions that require hospitality skills. Scroll down for a list of companies currently hiring on Handshake.

Top 10 entry-level jobs in hospitality

If you’re interested in a career in hospitality, many entry-level positions can help you get your foot in the door. These positions might be part-time or full-time, ranging from customer service roles to behind-the-scenes positions in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses.

Here are the top 10 entry-level jobs in hospitality to consider.

1. Front desk agent

Front desk agents — also known as guest service agents or concierges — are essential members of the hospitality team at hotels and resorts. They’re responsible for greeting guests and providing information about the hotel’s amenities, services, and local attractions. They also handle check-in and check-out, answer guest questions, and address any concerns they may have.

Median salary: $29,674 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous customer service or hospitality experience is preferred
  • Experience with reservation and property management systems is a plus

Skills:

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
  • Attention to detail

2. Guest services coordinator

The guest services coordinators are team members responsible for managing guest inquiries and providing exceptional customer service. They’re often the point of contact for guests before and during their stay. They manage reservations, coordinate transportation, and provide information about the property and local area.

Median salary: $40,515 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (an associate or bachelor’s degree might be preferred)
  • Experience in customer service or hospitality, preferably in a hotel or resort setting
  • Knowledge of reservation and property management systems
  • Familiarity with the local area and attractions

Skills:

  • Exceptional customer service skills and a service-oriented approach
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping

3. Travel agent

Being a travel agent can be rewarding and fulfilling, whether based in Dallas, New York, or anywhere between. Travel agents help customers plan and book travel arrangements like transportation, lodging, and activities. They typically work for travel agencies or as independent contractors (a flexible schedule might be a bonus).

Median salary: $43,810 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Customer service or sales experience
  • Familiarity with reservation systems and travel booking software
  • Knowledge of popular travel destinations and attractions
  • Relevant certifications can be an advantage

Skills:

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to sell products and services
  • Customer service-oriented
  • Hardworking, self-motivated, and able to work independently

4. Reservation specialist

A reservation specialist manages room bookings and reservations for a hotel or resort. They work in the front office and coordinate with other departments to ensure guests have a positive experience during their stay. They may also handle invoicing and billing for guests.

Median salary: $34,690 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in customer service or hospitality, preferably in a hotel or resort setting
  • Familiarity with reservation and property management systems
  • Knowledge of invoicing and billing procedures

Skills:

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Dedicated to providing an excellent guest experience
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills and ability to resolve guest service complaints

5. Catering assistant

A catering assistant supports food service operations at events and functions. As a catering assistant, your job description may include a range of tasks, such as setting up equipment on-site, preparing and presenting food, and ensuring guests have a positive experience.

Median salary: $36,527 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in a food service or hospitality role
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for some positions
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends
  • Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods

Skills:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

6. Special event coordinator

A special event coordinator plans and executes events like weddings, corporate events, and parties. They work in person to coordinate all aspects of the event, from venue selection to menu planning to entertainment.

Median salary: $45,969 per year

Qualifications:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in event planning, hospitality, or a related field
  • Experience in event planning or a related field
  • Strong network of industry contacts and referrals
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Skills:

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage budgets and negotiate with vendors
  • Creativity and a keen eye for design and detail

7. Tour guide

A tour guide leads groups of people on tours of various locations like historical sites, cities, and natural attractions. They provide information and insight into the location, ensuring the group has an enjoyable and informative experience.

Median salary: $33,931 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (some employers may prefer a degree in hospitality, history, or a related field)
  • Experience in customer service or hospitality, preferably in a tour or travel setting
  • Knowledge of local history, attractions, and points of interest
  • Foreign language skills can be an advantage for tour guides in areas with a high number of international visitors

Skills:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of basic first aid and safety procedures
  • Excellent memory and storytelling skills

8. Executive housekeeper

An executive housekeeper manages the housekeeping staff and ensures that guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces are clean and well-maintained.

Median salary: $38,034 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor’s degree might be preferred)
  • Previous experience in a housekeeping or hospitality management role with increasing levels of responsibility
  • Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation and the safe use of cleaning chemicals and equipment
  • Ability to manage schedules, inventory, and budgets
  • Ability to pass a background check

Skills:

  • Ability to manage and motivate team members
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in cleaning and record-keeping

9. Human resources generalist

A human resources (HR) generalist manages various aspects of HR, like recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance.

Median salary: $61,248 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field (some employers may accept equivalent work experience)
  • Experience in human resources or a related role
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
  • Ability to handle confidential information and maintain strict confidentiality

Skills:

  • Ability to handle and resolve employee relations issues
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
  • Knowledge of HR software and systems

10. Marketing coordinator

A marketing coordinator supports the marketing team in various aspects of campaign development, execution, and analysis.

Median salary: $61,843 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field (some employers may accept equivalent work experience)
  • Experience in a marketing or related role
  • Knowledge of marketing concepts, such as market research, branding, and advertising
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing techniques

Skills:

  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues
  • Analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and metrics

Let Handshake help you find a hospitality job

The hospitality industry offers many exciting and rewarding career opportunities, from entry-level positions to executive roles. In this article, we’ve gone through some of the best jobs in the space.

If you’re a student and job seeker looking to get hired in hospitality, Handshake is an excellent resource for job postings and career support. You can also sign up to receive job alerts when something pops up.

With a focus on connecting students with top employers, Handshake can help you find the right job to launch your hospitality career.

Get started on Handshake today and find the right hospitality role!

Sources:

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.