How Much Does Hotel Managers Make? A Guide to the Salary and Factors of Hotel Management

Hotel managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of hotels, resorts, or similar properties. They make sure that the guests have a pleasant and comfortable stay, that the staff are well-trained and motivated, and that the financial and quality goals are met. Hotel managers also deal with various tasks, such as marketing, budgeting, hiring, customer service, and problem-solving.

But how much does hotel managers make, and what factors affect their salary? In this article, we will answer these questions, and provide you with a guide to the salary and factors of hotel management. We will cover the following topics:

• The average salary and range of hotel managers in the United States
• The main factors that influence the salary of hotel managers, such as location, experience, education, and skills
• The tips and advice on how to increase the salary of hotel managers, such as getting certified, networking, and negotiating
• The outlook and prospects of hotel management as a career

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how much hotel managers make, and what you can do to improve your salary and career as a hotel manager.

Key Takeaways

• Hotel managers are in charge of running and managing hotels, resorts, or similar properties, and they ensure the satisfaction and comfort of the guests, the staff, and the owners.
• The salary of hotel managers depends on various factors, such as the location, experience, education, and skills of the manager, and the type, size, and location of the hotel.
• The average salary of hotel managers in the United States was $69,364 per year, or $33.35 per hour, as of May 2024, but the salary range can be between $43,000 and $162,741 per year, or between $20.67 and $78.24 per hour.

The Average Salary and Range of Hotel Managers in the United States

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for hotel managers in the United States was $69,364 per year, or $33.35 per hour, as of May 2024. However, the salary of hotel managers can vary widely, depending on many factors, such as the type of hotel, the size of the hotel, and location of the hotel, the level of responsibility and authority, and the individual qualifications and performance of the manager.

According to various sources, the salary range of hotel managers in the United States can be between $43,000 and $162,741 per year, or between $20.67 and $78.24 per hour. The lowest 10% of hotel managers earned less than $38,939 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $99,461 per year.

The median salary, which is the point where half of the hotel managers earned more and half earned less, was $62,233 per year, or $29.92 per hour.

The Main Factors that Influence the Salary of Hotel Managers

The salary of hotel managers can be influenced by many factors, such as:

• Location: The location of the hotel can have a significant impact on the salary of hotel managers, as different regions and cities have different costs of living, demand and supply, and competition. Generally, hotel managers in urban areas tend to earn more than hotel managers in rural areas, as they have more opportunities and challenges. However, this may also depend on the type and quality of the hotel, as some rural areas may have more upscale and exclusive hotels than some urban areas. According to various sources, some of the highest paying cities for hotel managers in the United States are Des Moines, IA ($74,191 per year), New Orleans, LA ($71,712 per year), Nashville, TN ($71,085 per year), Las Vegas, NV ($65,537 per year), and Asheville, NC ($60,188 per year).
• Experience: The experience of the hotel manager can also affect the salary, as more experienced hotel managers tend to have more skills, knowledge, and reputation, and can handle more complex and demanding situations. Generally, hotel managers with more than 10 years of experience can earn more than hotel managers with less than 5 years of experience, as they have more seniority and authority. However, this may also depend on the performance and achievements of the hotel manager, as some less experienced hotel managers may outperform some more experienced hotel managers. For example, the average salary of hotel managers with 10 to 19 years of experience was $72,000 per year, while the average salary of hotel managers with 1 to 4 years of experience was $50,000 per year.
• Education: The education of the hotel manager can also influence the salary, as more educated hotel managers tend to have more qualifications and credentials, and can access more opportunities and promotions. Generally, hotel managers with a bachelor’s degree or higher can earn more than hotel managers with a high school diploma or less, as they have more knowledge and training. However, this may also depend on the relevance and quality of the education, as some hotel managers may have degrees or certifications that are not related to hotel management, or that are not recognized or respected by the industry.
• Skills: The skills of the hotel manager can also affect the salary, as more skilled hotel managers tend to have more competencies and abilities, and can perform better and more efficiently. Generally, hotel managers with skills such as hospitality management, front office, and hotel management software can earn more than hotel managers without these skills, as they have more expertise and value. However, this may also depend on the demand and supply of the skills, as some skills may be more common or rare than others, or more relevant or obsolete than others. According to various sources, the most recommended skill for hotel managers was hospitality management, which could increase the salary by 92.88%.

The Tips and Advice on How to Increase the Salary of Hotel Managers

The salary of hotel managers can be increased by following some tips and advice, such as:

1. Getting certified: Getting certified by a reputable and recognized organization can help hotel managers to enhance their skills, knowledge, and credibility, and to stand out from the competition. Some of the certifications that hotel managers can pursue are the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, the Certified Hospitality Manager (CHM) by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education, and the Certified Hotel Manager (CHM) by the International Association of Hotel Managers.

2. Networking: Networking with other hotel managers and professionals can help hotel managers to expand their contacts, connections, and opportunities, and to learn from the best practices and experiences of others. Hotel managers can network by joining and participating in various associations, groups, and events, such as the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, and the Hotel Management Summit.

3. Negotiating: Negotiating with the employer or the client can help hotel managers to increase their salary, by demonstrating their value, performance, and achievements, and by asking for a raise, a bonus, or a commission. Hotel managers can negotiate by preparing and presenting a strong case, by researching and comparing the market rates, and by being confident and assertive.

The Outlook and Prospects of Hotel Management as a Career

Hotel management is a rewarding and challenging career, that offers various benefits, such as:

1. Variety and diversity

Hotel management offers variety and diversity, as hotel managers can work in different types of hotels, such as luxury, boutique, or budget, and in different locations, such as urban, rural, or international. Hotel managers can also deal with different tasks, such as marketing, budgeting, hiring, customer service, and problem-solving, and with different people, such as guests, staff, and suppliers.

2. Creativity and innovation

Hotel management requires creativity and innovation, as hotel managers need to create and implement effective and efficient strategies, that can improve the quality and profitability of the hotel, and that can meet the needs and expectations of the guests. Hotel managers also need to adapt and respond to the changing trends and demands of the industry, and to the opportunities and challenges of the market.

3. Satisfaction and recognition

 Hotel management provides satisfaction and recognition, as hotel managers can make a positive and lasting impact on the guests, the staff, and the community, by providing excellent and memorable service, by creating a pleasant and comfortable environment, and by supporting various causes and initiatives. Hotel managers can also receive various rewards and incentives, such as tips, bonuses, or awards, for their work and achievements.

However, hotel management also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Stress and pressure: Hotel management involves stress and pressure, as hotel managers need to deal with various issues and problems, such as complaints, conflicts, emergencies, or crises, that can arise at any time and that can affect the reputation and performance of the hotel. Hotel managers also need to meet various deadlines and targets, and to balance various demands and expectations from the guests, the staff, the owners, and the regulators.
• Long and irregular hours: Hotel management requires long and irregular hours, as hotel managers need to work on weekends, holidays, and nights, and to be on call 24/7, to ensure the smooth and safe operation and management of the hotel. Hotel managers also need to travel frequently, to visit different properties, attend various meetings and events, or inspect and evaluate various facilities and services.

According to the BLS, the employment of hotel managers is projected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for hotel managers will be driven by the growth of the travel and tourism industry, the expansion and renovation of existing hotels, and the development and opening of new hotels. However, the competition for hotel management jobs will be high, as the supply of qualified and experienced hotel managers will exceed the demand. Therefore, hotel managers will need to have a combination of education, experience, and skills, that can set them apart from other candidates.

Conclusion

Hotel managers are the professionals who oversee the daily operations and management of hotels, resorts, or similar properties. They are responsible for ensuring that guests have a pleasant and satisfying stay, that staff members perform their duties efficiently and effectively, and that the hotel meets its financial and operational goals.