Money makes the world go ‘round as they say, or at least it will help you buy a car and pay your bills. One of the best ways to earn the dough required to pay the bills and enjoy life is a career in hospitality. Not only is the industry thriving, adding 27,000 positions in July alone, but it’s also home to some of the most attractive jobs around. They pay decent wages, require minimal training, and overflow with advancement opportunities. They are also a whole lot of fun. Consider our picks for the top three most attractive hospitality jobs.
Casino Dealer
Casino dealers operate exciting table games including roulette, craps, and blackjack. Along with teaching players the rules, they determine the winners, calculate and pay the winning bets, and collect from the losers. It’s just about the most fun at work you will ever have if you’re fortunate enough to be a whiz at math – no pocket protector required.
Educational requirements are minimal. Most employers prefer at least a high school diploma or GED. They may send new dealers to “gaming schools” to learn the intricacies as well as state and local gambling laws. While most casinos offer minimum wage as starting pay, periodic raises are fairly common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average casino dealer earns $20,260 per year, or about $9.74 per hour. This does not include benefits (like health insurance and 401K) or the tips left by generous winners. Dealers with experience and excellent skills may advance to supervisor or pit manager positions with average salaries of $66,960 a year.
Other reasons we consider the role of casino dealer to be one of the top three most attractive hospitality jobs:
• A front-row seat for humanity’s exhilarating highs and soul-crushing lows
• The opportunity to interact with a never-ending procession of customers
• A blisteringly fast-paced environment that is never, ever boring
• Schedule flexibility and the opportunity for part-time employment
Resort Concierge
A resort concierge assists guests with everything from restaurant reservations and shows tickets to wedding proposals and elephant rentals. On any given day, they may secure cars, give directions, suggest restaurants, organize tours, coordinate travel arrangements, and calm the nerves of dozens of different people. Talk to any concierge and they’ll tell you the same thing: this job is anything but boring.
Educational requirements are minimal. Really, anyone with an enthusiastic commitment to service can become a successful concierge. However, a background in customer service and a hospitality-related degree will open the doors to the best job prospects. On average, concierges earn $29,030 a year, or about $13.96 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The upper 90 percent can rake in more than $43,709 annually, not including tips from grateful guests.
Other reasons we consider the role of resort concierge to be one of the top three most attractive hospitality jobs:
• Making a difference in each guest’s vacation enjoyment
• The opportunity to rock a fabulous wardrobe – you have to look good
• Creative problem-solving at its finest
• Ample opportunity to exercise a second language
• Access to an extensive network of contacts within the city
Hotel Event Planner
Hotel event planners do exactly that: they plan special events, including business conferences, weddings, and private parties, held at the hotel. The process is complex, involving meeting with clients to determine their needs, planning budgets, coordinating facilities, technology, transportation, and entertainment, as well as food and beverage. It’s a challenging yet rewarding position ideal for the multi-tasking people-oriented professional.
Hotel employers generally prefer to hire event planners with bachelor’s degrees in hospitality or a related field such as marketing and public relations. Relevant work experience is always an asset. Those just starting out in the industry may obtain employment as assistant event planners, gaining this experience while earning their degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, event planners earn a median salary of $46,000. The top ten percent earn more than $79,000 a year.
Other reasons we consider the role of a hotel event planner to be one of the top three most attractive hospitality jobs:
• Insane job growth – 44 percent by 2020 according to the BLS
• The joy of attending weddings, anniversaries, and parties – and knowing you made them a success
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re earning a decent salary even as you sit through that boring podiatrist conference
• New challenges every single day