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Becoming a hotel manager means having the experience and education necessary to oversee the entire operation of a property and all its functions… everything from guest satisfaction to budgets and training. At a large hotel, there are multiple management positions such as revenue manager, front-office manager, convention services manager, etc. and each of these would report to a general manager. Regardless of which type of manager you are, hotel managers must meet specific qualifications in education, experience, and skills.
Hotel Manager Salary
According to Salary.com, the current median salary for a hotel manager (of no particular type) is $115k per year. The scale ranges from ~$75k to ~$158k, much of which depends on the type of hotel manager (we’ll break down the common types below), industry experience, education level, and location. For instance, the median salary is ~$15k higher in Los Angeles than in Birmingham, Alabama.
Hotel Management Positions (with salaries)
If you’re seeking a management position in a hotel, you have a choice between different areas of specialization. Each hotel department needs managers to run the department and supervise a team of employees.
Property Manager
A property manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a hotel and reports on the hotel’s business performance to the area manager or regional manager. This role usually requires at least three years of experience in management, and a degree in business or accounting could be a plus. In 2023, property managers will earn an average salary of $115k, according to Salary.com.
Sales Manager
A sales manager works to reach out to contacts and secure new accounts for the hotel, as well as promote repeat business from past clients. Employers generally expect a few years of sales experience, and they may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. In 2023, sales managers will earn an average salary of $64k, according to Salary.com.
Food and Beverage Manager
A food and beverage manager sources supplies, schedules and trains staff, and develops menus. This manager also monitors the costs of food and staff expenses to maintain profitability. Candidates should have a few years of experience in food and beverage operations, for example, as assistant food and beverage manager. Candidates with bachelor’s degrees or certifications in food safety may be preferred. In 2023, hotel food and beverage managers will earn an average salary of $80k, according to Salary.com.
Front Office Manager
The front office manager oversees guest check-in and check-out and responds to guests’ requests and complaints. This manager also supervises the night auditor. Experience as an assistant front office manager may be preferred, although a few years of experience in another managerial role might be an acceptable substitute. In 2023, hotel front office managers will earn an average salary of $54k, according to Salary.com.
General Manager
Like a property manager, a general manager is responsible for a hotel’s operations and for keeping the business on track financially. Candidates should have at least a few years of management experience, and employers sometimes prefer those with a college degree. In 2023, general managers will earn an average salary of $115k, according to Salary.com.
Housekeeping Manager
The housekeeping manager trains staff, monitors inventory, and ensures that housekeeping standards are met. This position usually requires three years of housekeeping experience and a few years of managerial experience. Employers sometimes prefer candidates with CPR certification. In 2023, housekeeping managers will earn an average salary of $61k, according to Salary.com.
Banquet Manager
A banquet manager directs banquet events, supervises staff, ensures safety, and ensures that the event budget is followed. This job usually requires at least two years of experience in food and beverage operations, and managerial experience may be preferred. This can be a physically demanding role, so candidates must be able to lift and carry heavy objects such as serving equipment. In 2023, banquet managers will earn an average salary of $52k, according to Salary.com.
Hotel Management Experience
What Kind Of Experience Do You Need To Work In Hotel Management?
Education
Typically, larger or full-service hotels require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or hotel management. Smaller hotels may hire those with an associate’s degree or a certificate in hotel management. According to an article by Jennifer Alyson of the Houston Chronicle, “Though more than 500 U.S. schools offer training in hotel management, only 100 curricula are qualified through the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.”
These programs usually cover courses in administration, accounting, economics, electronic reservation systems, marketing, housekeeping, food and beverage management, and maintenance. If you’re interested in becoming a district or general manager, you may want to further your education by earning your master’s degree in hospitality management.
Recently, some of the larger hotel chains have started to require managers to become “certified,”, especially for the general manager position. The American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute offer several certifications for those working in hospitality, including the Certified Hotel Administrator certification, which is awarded to those passing an exam. Once every five years after that, candidates must recertify.
Industry Experience
Because of the breadth of responsibility in this position, most hotel management jobs require at least 2 years of experience. New graduates starting out at the front desk, for example, can expect to be promoted to chief clerk and then assistant front office manager. From there, you would likely move on to front office manager, sales/marketing manager, and finally, general manager. Of course, you’ll receive training along with your hands-on experience, but most management-training programs are reserved for those with college degrees who show leadership potential.
Management trainees are expected to spend 1 -2 years in a variety of operational roles such as food and beverage management, covering restaurants, bars, room service, conference, and banquet services. Another area is room management covering reception, reservations, guest relations, concierge desk, and housekeeping.
Some of the larger chains have mentoring schemes and regularly assess your training and development. It may include moving to a larger hotel in a different part of the country or even going abroad for more experience.
Skills
Along with experience, the specific skills necessary to be successful in the management position are:
- People Skills – you must be able to understand and satisfy customers and employees
- Problem-Solving – show good judgment to handle problems and find solutions
- Leadership – being able to motivate and guide staff
- Organization – necessary to be able to juggle, budgets, scheduling, HR, and staff needs
- Business Knowledge – you will be responsible for accounting, computer systems, administration, and sales
- Languages –may be an advantage, especially for hotels that are part of an international chain
Duties and Responsibilities
The typical duties of a hotel general manager cover all the operations of the property, including facilities, guest services, setting and enforcing company policies, accounting, staffing, front office, setting room rates/fees, food and beverage, housekeeping, and handling complaints. You must have strict attention to detail and be an excellent communicator, as well as have earned the education and experience required. Overall, your goal is to maximize profits and grow the company’s revenues and reputation.
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations, you’ll also have to ensure safety and security, compliance with laws and statutes as well as handling renovations and furnishings. It’s certainly more than a 40-hour/week job and will entail working weekends, evenings, and holidays.
A quick look at some of the hotel manager job postings on Hcareers gives you a roundup of some of the most common requirements for this position:
- Perform administrative duties including writing reports, communicating with corporate office, employees, guests, community associations, etc.
- Develop and supervise the budget, and create reports of occupancy, revenue, etc.
- Make adjustments and implement changes to maximize profits
- Interview, hire, and supervise department managers
- Perform performance evaluations, handle discipline and terminations
- Promote the hotel and maintain a positive image of the company in the community
- Travel as needed for meetings, sales, and committees
- Follow all company policies and coordinate with HR
- Facilitate training and development of all trainees to hotel standards
The position of a hotel manager is competitive: candidates with the proper education, skills, and experience can expect to be successful. Hotel managers are expected to demonstrate strong attention to detail, business savvy, and great communication skills along with several years of experience.