Hospitality and Tourism Jobs In USA 2025

The Hospitality and Tourism sector is experiencing a resurgence as travel restrictions ease and people resume leisure and business travel. This industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, event planning, and travel services, is rebounding from the impact of the pandemic. Demand for skilled professionals across various roles has increased as global tourism recovers. Here’s a detailed look at the high-demand jobs in hospitality and tourism, including job responsibilities, education requirements, salary expectations, and the factors driving the growth in Hospitality and Tourism Jobs In USA 2025.

Hospitality and Tourism Jobs In USA 2025 Eligibility Criteria

1. Hotel Managers

• Job Role: Hotel Managers oversee the daily operations of hotels, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, coordinating reservations, and maintaining budgets. They also handle marketing and promotional efforts to attract guests, particularly in competitive tourist destinations.
• Education Required:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or Tourism is often preferred.
  • Experience in hotel operations or customer service is essential, and some managers may have started in lower-level hotel positions before advancing.
• Age Requirements: Hotel Managers typically begin their careers in their late 20s or 30s, after gaining experience in the industry.
• Pay: The average salary for Hotel Managers is around $59,430 per year, with managers at high-end resorts or large chains earning upwards of $90,000 annually.
• Job Outlook: Jobs for Hotel Managers are expected to grow by 9% through 2030 as travel and tourism continue to recover and expand.

2. Restaurant Staff

• Job Role: Restaurant Staff includes a variety of positions such as waiters, chefs, bartenders, and hostesses. They ensure that customers have a pleasant dining experience, whether by preparing meals, serving food, or maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
• Education Required:
  • Many entry-level positions require no formal education, though a high school diploma is generally needed. For chefs and kitchen staff, culinary school or specialized training can be beneficial.
  • On-the-job training is common, especially for waitstaff and bartenders.
• Age Requirements: Most restaurant staff positions start in the late teens or early 20s, making it a popular industry for younger workers, although individuals of all ages can find roles, particularly in management or as chefs.
• Pay: The average salary for restaurant staff varies by role:
  • Waitstaff: $28,000 per year (including tips)
  • Chefs: $53,380 per year
  • Bartenders: $31,100 per year (including tips)
• Job Outlook: Employment in the restaurant sector is expected to grow by 10% through 2030, as dining out returns to pre-pandemic levels and the demand for skilled culinary professionals increases.

3. Travel Agents

• Job Role: Travel Agents assist clients in planning and booking travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. They provide recommendations based on customer preferences and help navigate travel requirements, such as visas or health documentation.
• Education Required:
  • A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Business, or Hospitality can be advantageous.
  • Certifications from organizations like The Travel Institute or ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) can enhance career prospects.
• Age Requirements: Travel agents often start their careers in their 20s or 30s, but older individuals can also transition into the field, particularly if they have personal travel experience or previous customer service backgrounds.
• Pay: The average salary for Travel Agents is around $46,650 per year, with experienced agents specializing in luxury or corporate travel earning upwards of $70,000.
• Job Outlook: The demand for travel agents is expected to grow by 5% through 2030, driven by the resurgence of leisure travel and the need for expert advice in navigating post-pandemic travel requirements.

4. Event Planners

• Job Role: Event Planners organize and coordinate events such as weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, and special occasions. They handle everything from budgeting and logistics to vendor management and ensuring that events run smoothly.
• Education Required:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Public Relations, or Communications is common.
  • Event planning certifications from organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI) or Certified Meeting Professionals (CMP) can enhance career prospects.
• Age Requirements: Event planners usually begin their careers in their late 20s or 30s, often after gaining experience in hospitality, PR, or project management.
• Pay: The average salary for Event Planners is around $55,890 per year, with those working in corporate event planning or high-end weddings earning over $75,000.
• Job Outlook: Employment for Event Planners is expected to grow by 18% through 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing roles in hospitality. The rebound of in-person events post-pandemic is a major factor driving this growth.

5. Tour Guides

• Job Role: Tour Guides lead groups of travelers through historical sites, museums, national parks, or cities, providing information and engaging commentary about the destinations. They help enhance the travel experience by offering in-depth knowledge and insight into the locations.
• Education Required:
  • A high school diploma is often sufficient, though some guides may benefit from degrees in History, Tourism, or Geography.
  • Specialized knowledge, such as a deep understanding of local history, culture, or specific tourist destinations, is highly valuable. Certification from regional tourism boards can also improve job prospects.
• Age Requirements: Tour Guides typically begin in their 20s or 30s, though older individuals with in-depth knowledge of a region or subject can also thrive in this role.
• Pay: The average salary for Tour Guides is around $32,620 per year, though guides working for luxury travel companies or in high-tourism regions can earn significantly more through tips and commissions.
• Job Outlook: Tour Guide positions are expected to grow by 5% through 2030 as international and domestic travel rebounds. The rise of niche tourism, such as eco-tourism and cultural heritage tours, is further boosting demand.

Why It’s Growing:

1. Post-Pandemic Recovery: As global travel restrictions ease and vaccinations increase, people are returning to leisure and business travel. This rebound is particularly strong in countries and regions that rely heavily on tourism, such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., where the hospitality and tourism sector is vital to the economy.
2. Increased Domestic Travel: Even as international travel rebounds, domestic tourism has surged. Many people are opting for local vacations, known as staycations, which has driven demand for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in domestic markets.
3. Rising Demand for In-Person Events: With the return of large-scale events such as conferences, corporate meetings, and weddings, the need for skilled event planners has grown. Businesses are eager to reconnect with clients and employees through in-person gatherings, which require coordination from hospitality professionals.
4. Evolving Travel Preferences: Travelers today seek more personalized and authentic experiences, leading to increased demand for tour guides, luxury travel agents, and boutique hotel staff who can provide unique and immersive travel experiences.
5. Corporate and Business Travel: While leisure travel is booming, business travel is also making a comeback. Companies are resuming in-person meetings and conferences, creating a need for hotels, restaurants, and event venues to accommodate business travelers.

Conclusion

The Hospitality and Tourism sector is well on its way to recovery after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. With the growing demand for leisure travel, domestic tourism, and in-person events, there are numerous career opportunities across hotels, restaurants, event planning, and travel services. Whether you’re interested in managing a luxury hotel, planning weddings, or guiding tours through iconic landmarks, the hospitality industry offers diverse and rewarding careers.

As the world continues to embrace travel once more, hospitality professionals will be at the forefront, ensuring memorable and seamless experiences for tourists and travelers alike.