Expert: Steve Young - 12/9/2008

Question
     Dear Mr. Young,
  Hi, I am currently working as a restaurant manager but would like to become a manager of a hotel. I have a few questions about the business and how to get into it. I know that it would be near impossible to just walk into a hotel and apply to be a hotel manager but I do not know how to go about becoming one. Should I start off being a front desk clerk? When I do become a hotel manager what is the average salary for them? I know that varies with the location but if you could just give me a ball park figure (like where you are) that would be great! Thank you for taking the time to read my questions and if you could get back with me that would be amazing!
                             Sincerely,
                                 Desiree N.


Answer
You could start at the front desk, but the salary can be as low as $8 - $14.00 or so per hour.  However, it is a good way to learn the business.

After a year or so, you could advance to assistant manager, and then probably front office manager depending on the size of the hotel and your skills/talents.  Salary range for these positions really depends on the hotel, city, and location.  

It is just about impossible to start as a hotel  manager.  In 22 years, I have never seen this happen.

If you like  sales, you can start at the hotel sales manager level and earn 40-40K plus bonus per year.  To land this job, I always suggest www.aprinda.com as a quick online way to prepare yourself.

Rapid Advancement is available in the hotel business for those that stick with it.  I always liked hotel sales because it paid the best and often leads to the General Manager positon.  You can also advance by going the front desk, front office manager, General Manager route.