12 Best-Paying Jobs in Hotels & Resorts in 2025

Searching for the highest-paying jobs in hotels and resorts across the country?

Salary is the leading factor when considering a hospitality job in the United States (U.S.), according to a recent survey conducted by industry professionals. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the 12 best-paying jobs in hotels and resort, including salary data and education requirements for each.

We’ll cover what each position entails, plus break down specific salary info for hospitality jobs in New York City, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles — major cities with the highest concentration of hospitality opportunities.

12 Highest-Paying Jobs in Hotels & Resorts (US Salaries)

According to a recent study, the average salary for a hospitality job in the U.S. is $50,000 and can reach $100,000 per year depending on various factors, including:

• The position
• The geographic region
• Your level of education
• Your level of experience
• Your skills or specialties

On top of their base salary, hospitality professionals can also have higher income through tips or monetary benefits like performance bonuses and profit sharing plans.

Below are the 12 highest-paying jobs in hotels and resorts in 2025.

1. Spa Manager

A Spa Manager’s responsibilities include all activities related to the operation of a spa, including facility maintenance, procurement of supplies, hiring, training and scheduling employees, creating spa marketing campaigns and managing budgets.

• Average annual salary: $45,000
• Education required: A high school diploma

2. Bartender

A Bartender’s responsibilities include mixing and serving both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, providing drink recommendations, replenishing inventory and completing transactions.

Prior to serving alcohol, a Bartender must also confirm that the consumer is of legal drinking age and watch for any indicators of excessive drinking.

• Average annual salary: $37,090 + tips
• Education required: No specific education is required, although bartending courses are considered an advantage

See also: How To Become a Bartender

3. Restaurant Manager

A Restaurant Manager is responsible for hiring, training, supervising and managing employees within a dining outlet. They are also in charge of updating restaurant menus, creating budgets and developing the restaurant’s marketing strategy.

• Average annual salary: $69,580
• Education required: A high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED). A degree in hospitality management is considered an advantage.

See also: How To Become a Restaurant Manager

4. Event Manager

In a hotel setting, an Event Manager’s responsibilities include planning and executing events — such as conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings — ensuring these align with client expectations and hotel capabilities.

They coordinate with vendors, catering and operations teams while managing budgets, contracts and logistics. Their role also involves marketing event services, maintaining client relationships and ensuring smooth on-site execution.

• Average annual salary: $78,729
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in communications, business, marketing, public relations or hospitality management

See also: How To Get Into Event Management

5. Director of Housekeeping

A Director of Housekeeping’s responsibilities include the supervision and management of all housekeeping activities in a hotel or resort, to ensure a clean and safe environment for both hospitality guests and housekeeping staff.

• Average annual salary: $53,000
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in hotel management, business management, hospitality or a related field

6. Hotel Manager

A Hotel Manager’s responsibilities include the supervision and management of the entire hotel or resort operation, including guest experience and satisfaction, staff management, budget and more.

Acting as a brand ambassador, the hotel manager promotes the company’s values and culture.

• Average annual salary: $76,790
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality

See also: How To Become a Hotel Manager

7. Director of Restaurant Operations

In a hotel or resort, the Director of Restaurant Operations (sometimes called Food Service Director) oversees all food and beverage outlets, ensuring they run efficiently and profitably while delivering high-quality guest experiences.

They manage budgets, staffing, menu development and service standards, working closely with Chefs, Managers and suppliers to optimize operations. Their role also involves implementing marketing strategies, maintaining compliance with health regulations and driving revenue growth across the hotel’s dining establishments.

• Average annual salary: $102,697
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality

See also: Director of Restaurant Operations Career Guide

8. Hotel General Manager

The Hotel General Manager oversees the overall operations of a hotel or resort, focusing on profitability, guest satisfaction and staff management. They develop business strategies, manage budgets and ensure all departments — such as front desk, housekeeping and food and beverage — work efficiently to maintain service standards.

Unlike a Hotel Manager, who may focus more on daily operations, the General Manager is responsible for high-level decision-making, long-term planning and the hotel’s financial success.

• Average annual salary: $93,384
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in hotel management, business management or a related field

See also: Hotel General Manager Career Guide

9. Travel Manager

A Travel Manager in a hotel coordinates corporate and group travel arrangements, ensuring cost-effective and seamless experiences for guests and employees.

They negotiate with airlines, transportation providers and travel agencies while managing travel policies and budgets. Their role also includes organizing accommodations, handling logistics, and ensuring compliance with company or client travel requirements.

• Average annual salary: $63,000
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree in travel, tourism or hospitality

10. Executive Chef

An Executive Chef in a hotel oversees all kitchen operations, from menu creation and food quality to staff management and cost control.

They work closely with suppliers, manage inventory and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Their role also involves leading and training kitchen staff to maintain consistency and enhance the hotel’s culinary reputation.

• Average annual salary: $80,040
• Education required: A bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree in culinary arts

See also: Executive Chef Career Guide

11. Master Sommelier

A sommelier’s responsibilities include the process of planning wine offerings in a hotel or a restaurant, from the creation of wine lists to managing and rotating the wine inventory, procuring wine from suppliers and vineyards and offering wine recommendations to customers and waitstaff.

• Average annual salary: $73,000
• Education required: There are no specific educational requirements, but an associate’s degree in wine technology or a diploma from a professional organization like the International Sommelier Guild is considered an advantage

See also: How To Become a Sommelier

12. Casino Director

In hotels and resorts that offer a casino for guests, the casino director is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations. This includes hiring, training and scheduling employees, ensuring that gambling regulations are enforced, managing customer complaints, monitoring budgets, reviewing security footage and more.

• National median income: $79,000
• Education required: High school diploma or bachelor’s degree

To find hospitality jobs in your location, visit our extensive job board at OysterLink.

Highest-Paying Hospitality Jobs in New York City, NY

New York City is a hub for hospitality positions, and the average salary is greater in the city, compared to the national average.

The highest-paying hospitality jobs in New York include:

• Spa Manager: $53,000
• Bartender: $58,050
• Restaurant Manager: $90,180
• Event Manager: $75,167
• Director of Housekeeping: $63,000
• Hotel Manager: $100,890
• Director of Restaurant Operations: $110,220
• Hotel General Manager: $111,308
• Travel Manager: $75,000
• Executive Chef: $104,902
• Master Sommelier: $89,000
• Casino Director: $94,000

The salaries for hospitality positions in New York City are approximately 19% greater than the national average for the same position.

Highest-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Miami, FL

Miami is a worldwide tourist destination, thanks to its warm weather, white sand beaches and diverse culture.

The highest-paying hospitality jobs in Miami include:

• Spa Manager: $46,000
• Bartender: $39,270
• Restaurant Manager: $81,170
• Event manager: $78,293
• Director of Housekeeping: $53,000
• Hotel Manager: $107,590
• Director of Restaurant Operations: $102,694
• Hotel General Manager: $118,314
• Travel Manager: $64,000
• Executive Chef: $89,396
• Master Sommelier: $73,000
• Casino Director: $80,000

Salaries for hospitality positions in Miami are about equal to the national average.

Highest-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Chicago, IL

Millions of tourists and business professionals alike travel to Chicago every year to experience its food, music, architecture and diverse culture.

The highest-paying hospitality jobs in Chicago include:

• Spa Manager: $50,000
• Bartender: $35,630
• Restaurant Manager: $68,770
• Event Manager: $64,049
• Director of Housekeeping: $58,000
• Hotel Manager: $75,180
• Director of Restaurant Operations: $101,125
• Hotel General Manager: $97,478
• Travel Manager: $70,000
• Executive Chef: $93,483
• Master Sommelier: $81,000
• Casino Director: $88,000

The hospitality jobs in Chicago offer an 11% higher salary, compared to the national average across the rest of the U.S.

Highest-Paying Hospitality Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

As one of the world’s most famous cities, Los Angeles is a bucket list destination for many across the globe.

The highest-paying hospitality jobs in Los Angeles include:

• Spa Manager: $51,000
• Bartender: $40,080
• Restaurant Manager: $69,120
• Event Manager: $69,215
• Director of Housekeeping: $59,000
• Hotel Manager: $86,390
• Director of Restaurant Operations: $109,566
• Hotel General Manager: $93,670
• Travel Manager: $71,000
• Executive Chef: $97,949
• Master Sommelier: $82,000
• Casino Director: $89,000

When compared to the national average, Los Angeles hospitality salaries are about 12% higher.

What Is a Hospitality Job?

A hospitality job is a position that involves receiving and entertaining visitors and guests, typically in relation to the tourism industry.

Covering several sectors, such as accommodation, food and beverage, event planning, entertainment and travel, a hospitality job is typically performed in:

• Hotels, including seasonal, resort, recreational or casino hotels
• Bed and breakfast inns
• Tourist cabins
• Motels
• Hostels

Some hospitality jobs, such as waiters, restaurant managers, receptionists or spa employees, have direct contact with customers. While you’re here, check out our list of best-paying restaurant jobs.

Others, such as accountants, marketers, engineers or maintenance specialists, work behind the scenes and offer support for the day-to-day operation of the hospitality facility.

Essential Skills for High-Paying Hospitality Jobs

To secure a high-paying job in the hospitality industry, a combination of leadership, specialized knowledge, and effective management skills is essential. These skills not only help you stand out in the competitive field but also position you for advancement into lucrative roles.

Here’s a breakdown of the key skills you need to develop:

• Leadership and management: This is especially important in high-level positions like Hotel General Manager or Director of Restaurant Operations. Strong leadership skills enable you to motivate teams, make critical decisions and maintain a positive work culture. Additionally, effective management involves overseeing day-to-day operations, controlling costs, ensuring customer satisfaction and driving profitability.
• Communication: Clear and persuasive communication is vital in every aspect of hospitality, from working with clients to managing staff. High-level roles require strong interpersonal skills — including conflict resolution, negotiation and public speaking — to effectively represent the hotel and interact with guests and vendors.
• Financial acumen: High-paying roles such as Executive Chef or Event Manager require a solid understanding of budgeting, cost management and revenue generation. Being able to analyze financial reports, control expenses and increase profitability is essential for maintaining successful operations.
• Problem-solving and adaptability: The hospitality industry is fast-paced and unpredictable. High-paying jobs require professionals who can think quickly on their feet, manage crises and adapt to changes. Whether it’s dealing with a dissatisfied guest or handling logistical challenges during a large event, problem-solving skills are invaluable in ensuring smooth operations.
• Attention to detail: This applies to responsibilities like ensuring high-quality food preparation, precise event coordination and flawless guest experiences. Small mistakes can lead to large consequences in high-end hospitality settings, making attention to detail a critical skill for success.

Find the Highest-Paying Jobs in Hotels With OysterLink

Our list of the highest-paying jobs in hospitality shows you what’s possible in this rewarding industry. If you’re also interested in exploring specific opportunities in restaurants, check out this other list we’ve compiled.

From luxury resorts to boutique hotels, you can build the career you’ve always wanted — with us. If you are a hospitality professional, OysterLink will help you find your next role.

On the other hand, if you are a restaurant or hotel operator, OysterLink can help you find a quality workforce and build valuable partnerships to continue to grow your business.

Simple, effective and cost-efficient, OysterLink prioritizes human value and recognition to establish long-term relationships between hospitality employers and employees.