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The Global Insight

How much do hotels pay their staff?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 02, 2026

Hotel jobs tend to be lower paying than average. The median annual wage for an employee in the traveler accommodation industry was just $28,320, below the overall median wage of $41,950, in 2020 (the most recent data). Housekeepers, for example, earned just $25,320 per year in 2020.

Who are the employees in hotel?

As with any business, hotel employees serve the basic function of ensuring the business runs smoothly. From part-time front desk employees, laundry room attendants, vendors and porters to the upper echelons of the management structure, each employee serves some role in the continual and perpetual operation of a hotel.

What is the highest paying job in a hotel?

7 highest-paying hospitality jobs

  • Event manager.
  • Travel manager.
  • Sommelier.
  • Restaurant manager.
  • Hotel general manager.
  • Executive chef.
  • Casino director.

Why do hotels pay so low?

Wages are also affected by supply and demand. If you are in a job that requires little to no experience, then that means the potential supply of workers is much larger. And in a tough economy, you also have high demand for work. So…large supply of applicants + high demand for work = low wages.

What are the perks of working at a hotel?

5 Great Perks of Working in the Hospitality Industry

  • Free Meals. Getting a meal “comped” is one of the mainstays in the hospitality industry.
  • Discounted Travel. Everyone always wants a travel discount, but good ones are hard to come by.
  • Work Anywhere.
  • Meeting People.
  • Tips and Bonuses.

What is the number 1 function of any hotel?

The primary function of a hotel is to provide lodging accommodations • A hotel is comprised of several business or revenue centers.

Which is the highest paying position in hotel management?

Hotel management salaries differ significantly by specific position. General managers of hotels and resorts are both the most in demand and highest paying positions due to the wide range of new hotel developments and the need for highly trained leaders.

Who are the owners of the Hilton Hotels?

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a hospitality company, owns, leases, manages, develops, and franchises hotels and resorts. It operates through two segments, Management and Franchise, and Ownership.

How much does a general manager of a hotel make?

General managers of hotels and resorts are both the most in demand and highest paying positions due to the wide range of new hotel developments and the need for highly trained leaders. These individuals typically earn from $80,000 to $250,000 per year.