Hotel and motel managers are responsible for the efficient and profitable operation of the lodging establishment they work for as well as the comfort and enjoyment of guests. Their training should include aspects of administration, business, marketing, finance, and customer service. This training can be learned on the job but some establishments—in particular full-service hotels—prefer managers to have a bachelor's degree in hotel management/operations, hospitality, or a related field.
The job duties of a lodging manager depend on the actual position (i.e. whether he or she works as a general manager, revenue manager, front office manager, etc.) and the size and complexity of the lodging establishment (whether it's an independently owned inn that accommodates a few dozen guests, a Las Vegas hotel that accommodates thousands of guests and has pools, restaurants, and a casino, etc.). Learn more about what hotel/motel managers do by reading the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook for lodging managers.
Additional information that prospective hotel managers should know includes the following:
BLS estimates that lodging managers earn a median annual income of $46,810 ($22.50 per hour). Ninetieth percentile income-earners in this profession earn close to $90,000 per year, while those in the 10th percentile earn less than $30,000 per annum.
Job outlook statistics indicate that lodging manager employment growth should grow by 8% between 2010 and 2020. BLS notes that small hotels should offer better job opportunities for lodging managers than large, full-service properties.
Although formal training at a college or university isn't a prerequisite for lodging managers, BLS stresses that individuals with a degree in hotel or hospitality management will likely have the best job prospects, especially at full-service, upscale establishments. Associate's, bachelor's, and even graduate degree programs are offered by educational institutions across the country. You can begin your search for schools at the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) website. The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) also has information on hotel management educational programs.
In addition to degree programs, a number of professional certifications are available from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AH&LA). They include Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM) and Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA).
Hotel and Motel Management School Average CostsPlease bear in mind that the actual cost of post-secondary school varies greatly between institutions. For the most accurate cost information on a particular school, visit that school's website or contact its financial aid department. The prices below describe national averages only.
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