Wages are rising across many hospitality jobs, with some roles seeing major increases from 2023 to 2024. Whether driven by higher demand, labor shortages or a push for better working conditions, this wage growth reveals where employers are investing more to attract and keep talent.
Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the hospitality roles with the highest year-over-year wage increases — and what they mean for workers and businesses alike. Read more to know which job had the biggest wage increase.
1. Hotel Manager – 0.87% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: -1.50%
What They Do: Hotel Managers oversee day-to-day operations, including staff management, budgeting, customer service and ensuring overall guest satisfaction. They’re responsible for aligning the hotel’s financial goals with guest expectations.
Why It’s Growing: Wage growth is modest here because this is a high-paying role already, and often salaried. Still, properties under new ownership or shifting toward boutique or lifestyle branding are seeking managers who can bring innovation, reduce turnover and improve guest experiences. The pressure to retain strong leaders in a competitive market keeps pay slightly rising.
2. Concierge – 1.34% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +7.75%
What They Do: Concierges assist hotel guests by booking reservations, providing recommendations, arranging transportation and personalizing the guest experience with local expertise and a proactive attitude.
Why It’s Growing: As hotels push to create standout guest experiences despite strong competition from different kinds of properties, demand for excellent Concierges is growing. The small bump in pay reflects this need — especially in luxury or urban properties. Upskilled Concierges who speak multiple languages or handle VIP services can expect higher wages.
3. Porter – 2.38% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +8.48%
What They Do: Porters handle guests’ luggage, assist with deliveries, help maintain cleanliness in common areas and are often the first point of contact for hotel guests arriving on-site.
Why It’s Growing: A hospitality push toward higher-touch service is making roles like Porters more valued. Though still modestly paid, hotels with an emphasis on white-glove service are willing to pay more for polished, reliable Porters who leave a strong first impression.
4. Chef – 3.32% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +5.77%
What They Do: Chefs oversee kitchen operations, create menus, ensure food quality and lead culinary teams. Their creativity and leadership directly influence the restaurant’s reputation.
Why It’s Growing: As food becomes a key differentiator for hotels and restaurants, skilled Chefs are in high demand. The growth reflects competition for top culinary talent and the need to offer not just food but a branded dining experience. Those with farm-to-table or multicultural culinary expertise are especially valuable.
5. Cashier – 3.54% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: -4.50%
What They Do: Cashiers handle guest transactions, process orders, manage receipts and often multitask by greeting customers or prepping light items in fast-casual establishments.
Why It’s Growing: Automation is reducing the number of Cashier jobs, but those that remain are critical in high-traffic settings. Employers are paying more to keep personable and efficient staff who can multitask during rush hours and manage basic tech systems like self-service kiosks.
6. Restaurant Manager – 4.01% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: -0.75%
What They Do: Restaurant Managers handle staffing, service flow, inventory and financial performance. They ensure that both front- and back-of-house teams work in sync.
Why It’s Growing: Fewer Restaurant Managers mean more pressure on those in the role. With the industry focusing on retention, training and customer satisfaction, restaurants are paying more to retain experienced Managers who can reduce churn and increase profit margins.
7. Fast-Food Worker – 4.12% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +2.84%
What They Do: Fast-Food Workers take orders, prepare meals, operate equipment and maintain cleanliness.
Why It’s Growing: Labor laws and advocacy efforts are pushing fast food wages higher. Many chains are also demanding more from workers — tech fluency, cross-training and safety awareness — justifying increased pay.
8. Host/Hostess – 4.16% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +0.50%
What They Do: Hosts/Hostesses greet guests, manage reservations, handle waitlists and coordinate with servers to maintain smooth table turnover.
Why It’s Growing: Hosts/Hostesses set the tone for a dining experience. Restaurants are recognizing the importance of poise, conflict resolution and efficient systems — especially in places that run on tight reservations or walk-in traffic.
9. Housekeeper – 4.42% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +2.23%
What They Do: Housekeepers clean guest rooms, replenish supplies, report maintenance issues and follow strict cleanliness protocols.
Why It’s Growing: Cleanliness became a top priority during the pandemic — and that demand hasn’t waned. With guests more hygiene-conscious than ever, properties are increasing pay to attract thorough, fast and detail-oriented Housekeepers.
10. Event Planner – 4.51% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +10.27%
What They Do: Event Planners coordinate logistics for meetings, weddings and conventions — handling everything from vendor negotiations to guest itineraries.
Why It’s Growing: Events are booming, and venues can’t afford mediocre experiences. Event Planners with multitasking, budgeting and tech skills (like event software) are commanding higher salaries to pull off seamless, high-stakes gatherings.
11. Valet – 4.56% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +13.98%
What They Do: Valets greet guests, park vehicles, retrieve them upon request and manage traffic flow at luxury establishments or event venues.
Why It’s Growing: Valets are part of the luxury experience, especially at hotels, resorts and fine dining spots. Rising wages reflect the premium on reliability, professionalism and handling high-end vehicles with care.
12. Cook – 4.63% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +2.82%
What They Do: Cooks prepare ingredients, follow recipes, maintain cleanliness and ensure consistency during service hours.
Why It’s Growing: Shortages in kitchen staff are forcing employers to boost pay. Plus, Cooks who can maintain pace during rush periods while ensuring quality are crucial in today’s fast-paced food service environment.
13. Dishwasher – 4.96% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +1.67%
What They Do: Dishwashers clean dishes and kitchen tools, manage sanitation stations and help keep the kitchen running smoothly behind the scenes.
Why It’s Growing: It’s a tough but essential role. With high turnover and few applicants, restaurants are increasing pay and offering better conditions to retain dependable Dishwashers.
14. Waiter/Waitress – 5.01% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +2.90%
What They Do: Waiters/Waitresses take orders, serve food and drinks, manage checks and ensure a positive dining experience.
Why It’s Growing: With tipping norms evolving and staffing shortages persisting, employers are boosting base pay to attract experienced Waiters/Waitresses who can provide both speed and service under pressure.
15. Receptionist – 5.17% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: -3.91%
What They Do: Receptionists handle guest check-ins, phone calls, booking systems and daily guest inquiries.
Why It’s Growing: More responsibilities and fewer workers mean higher pay. Hotels are investing more in Receptionists who can multitask, upsell services and use property management systems.
16. Baker – 5.96% Wage Growth
Employee Growth: +5.29%
What They Do: Bakers create breads, pastries, cakes and other baked goods, often working early hours with high precision.
Why It’s Growing: As consumer interest in artisanal and specialty baked goods rises, businesses are willing to pay more for skilled Bakers who bring quality and creativity to the table.
17. Bartender – 7.52% Wage Growth
Employee Growth Rate: +4.85%
What They Do: Bartenders craft drinks, engage customers, manage bar inventory and help create a lively and profitable environment.
Why It’s Growing: Bartenders drive revenue in bars and restaurants. With more venues investing in cocktail culture and mixology, experienced Bartenders are in high demand — both for their skill and personality.
What This Means for Job Seekers
If you’re exploring a hospitality career or already in the field, now’s the time to leverage wage trends. Roles like bartending, baking and event planning not only pay more but offer paths for growth and specialization.
Even entry-level roles are seeing meaningful increases in base pay. Look for employers that invest in staff training, offer stable hours and match the industry’s rising wage standards.
What This Means for Employers
Wage increases aren’t optional anymore — they’re a necessity. With talent competition heating up and turnover driving up operational costs, investing in fair pay has become a business strategy.
Employers who adapt will build stronger teams, provide better service and avoid the constant churn that comes from underpaying workers in roles that are critical to daily operations.
Wage growth in hospitality is accelerating — and not just in management or luxury jobs. The biggest gains are often in roles that are hardest to fill or most central to guest satisfaction. For workers, it’s a sign that their skills are being recognized. For employers, it’s a clear message: those who pay well, stay competitive.
