According to Statista, the hospitality industry is booming, with a valuation of $4.7 trillion in 2023 and $5.5 trillion by 2024. If you’re interested in growing your career in the leisure and hospitality industry, the projected job growth in the U.S. is promising.
Graduates of a program like the online Master of Science (M.S) in Hospitality and Tourism Management Executive Track program from The University of New Orleans (UNO) aren’t limited to working in hotels. In fact, there are many jobs available to professionals with this degree, such as restaurant manager, director of resort facilities, cruise director, head of food and beverage, director of guest services and hospitality manager. The following are some examples of roles available to program graduates. Note that the salary information provided below is from July 2024 and can change depending on experience, education, skill level and location.
Restaurant Manager
To be a restaurant manager, employers require previous restaurant experience and prefer management experience. The central role of a restaurant manager is to oversee daily restaurant operations to ensure efficiency. Common supervisory responsibilities include:
- Hiring and training restaurant staff
- Disciplining or terminating employees when necessary
- Scheduling and conducting performance evaluations for all staff
- Creating and managing staff schedules, including time off requests
According to Indeed, restaurant managers earn an average annual salary of $58,739.
Director of Resort Facilities
The role of the resort facilities director, or resort manager, is unique because they’re in charge of providing impeccable services to clientele and ensuring staff complete their jobs adequately. The following are just a few examples of resort manager responsibilities:
- Setting goals and daily objectives
- Establishing budgets and schedules
- Addressing guest concerns and issues
- Leading and encouraging staff to reach goals
- Liaising with external partners such as vendors and suppliers
The average annual salary for a resort manager in the U.S. is $81,549.
Cruise Director
For those who enjoy being out on the open water, a cruise director role could be a perfect fit. Cruise ship directors typically need a degree in hospitality and significant experience organizing large events and groups of people. Common responsibilities include:
- Being “the face” of the cruise ship company
- Thinking of onboard social events and entertainment ideas
- Organizing and directing staff members who oversee entertainment
ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary for a cruise director is $87,739.
Director of Guest Services
To become a director of guest services, employers often expect candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality or other related fields. Earning an M.S. degree can help you stand out. Guest services directors are responsible for the following:
- Developing, implementing and managing guest service policies, procedures and budgets
- Overseeing the training and development of staff
- Acting on guest feedback to maintain excellent customer service standards
ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary for a guest services director in the U.S. to be $80,304.
Hospitality Manager
A hospitality manager can work in restaurants, hotels, corporate environments or other hospitality businesses. This role includes responsibilities that impact clientele and staff, such as:
- Managing the budget
- Monitoring occupancy rates and revenue per room
- Overseeing employee performance, including training new employees
- Ensuring marketing campaigns align with business strategy and brand guidelines
According to Indeed, the average annual salary for hospitality managers is $54,356.
The Power of an Advanced Executive Track Degree From UNO
Professionals who earn their online M.S. in Executive Hospitality and Tourism Management from UNO are equipped with the skills to pursue a wide range of upper-level roles in this field. Students can complete this flexible program in as few as 12 months with minimal interruption to daily life.
Learn more about UNO’s online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Executive Track program.