The Hospitality industry has always been one of the most popular fields for job seekers. Various segments existed within this industry, such as back-of-house positions (namely Food and Beverage Department), customer service roles like Front Office Department, and others that offer high salaries and interesting benefits.
As EIU reports stated that global tourism arrivals will rise by 30% this year, there are more people who turn to this sector for high-paying jobs. With the Hospitality industry back in the game and businesses growing again, opportunities for well-paid jobs are now opening up for talented candidates!
Thus, this article will provide you insights into a few of the lucrative positions in the hotel, their responsibilities, required skills and qualifications for the positions, along with details on the salary. If you are ambitious about high-income positions in the Hospitality industry, you may want to read this one till the end!
High-Paying Hotel Jobs in 2023
1. Sommelier
A Sommelier.
While Sommeliers’ job scope is revolving around wine, they are not the same as Bartenders. A Sommelier’s main responsibility is managing the hotel’s wine program, which includes selecting, purchasing, listing, and tasting wines, along with educating and advising hotel guests on wine selections to pair well with their meals.
To become a Sommelier, one is required to possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Excellent knowledge of fine wines and exceptional palate as a wine taster;
- Strong customer service skills to educate and advise guests in an appropriate manner,
- Certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers or similar organizations.
Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) is a renowned organization for wine service professionals which provides certification for Sommeliers. There are four levels of certification, with Level 1 Sommelier as the beginner level of certification.
According to SalaryExpert, the Sommelier’s salary differs in some of the tourists’ favorite destinations. In UAE, the average salary of a Sommelier with 1-3 years of experience is USD 24000 per year, which is considerably high in the country. Surely, the more experienced you are, the higher your salary is!
2. Massage Therapist
Female Massage Therapist (Masseuse).
Fun fact: Massage Therapist is the general, more gender-neutral term for both Masseuse (female Massage Therapist) and Masseurs (male Massage Therapist). In a hotel, this role is responsible for providing various types of massage services to guests, such as sports or Swedish massage to help relieve stress and improve health.
There are key skills and qualifications required for the Massage Therapist position:
- Completed certificate or diploma program from an accredited school and passed the examination to be a licensed Massage Therapist;
- Knowledgeable in human anatomy and physiology, along with different types of massage techniques,
- Good attention to detail, empathetic, and caring demeanor to guests.
A Massage Therapist should also excel in communication skills, as they must be able to listen to the guests’ needs or requests and provide them with a therapeutic and relaxing experience.
Massage Therapist is a job that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as monetary benefits. In Qatar, the average annual salary for a Junior Massage Therapist is considered high, as it reaches USD 14500. With the demand for this position itself growing, Massage Therapist is a rewarding career that is worth considering!
3. Pastry Chef
A Group of Hotel’s Pastry Chef.
As a part of the hotel’s Food and Beverage Department, the Pastry Chef’s duties include creating and preparing various desserts for the hotel guests. They are also tasked with planning seasonal menus to keep up with the latest trends, as well as ensuring the quality of desserts to always consistent.
Specifically, being a Pastry Chef requires these qualifications and expertise:
- Culinary degree from culinary school, or equivalent experience;
- Working experience in a pastry kitchen, which can be obtained through internships,
- Strong knowledge of baking and pastry techniques, as well as the ability to use baking equipment well.
Similar to other roles in the Food and Beverage Department, Pastry Chef is a challenging position that combines the individual’s creativity and technical skills. With such exacting work environments, Pastry Chef is also considered one of the best-paid jobs in the Hospitality industry.
For example, in Vietnam, you can earn an average salary of USD 8600 per year as a Junior Pastry Chef (1-3 years of experience), which is deemed high for an entry-level position in the country. If you aim to climb the ladder to become a senior-level Pastry Chef, you can definitely earn a better income with higher experience!
4. Front Desk Associate
Front Desk Associates.
Being the frontline of every hotel, the Front Desk Associate is a crucial position that specializes in assisting guests with their check-in and check-out processes. The Front Desk Associate job description also includes creating positive experiences for guests and ensuring that their stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
To pursue a career as a Front Desk Associate, the key skills and required qualifications for this position are as shown:
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
- Proficiency in computer software, primarily in hotel management and database software,
- Minimum high school or diploma degree (preferably in hospitality management). Otherwise, equivalent courses from recognized organizations as an alternative.
While many Front Desk Associates only require a high school diploma, the educational requirements may vary in other hotels. In addition, this role is also considered challenging, due to the fast-paced environment. Hence, a Front Desk Associate is expected to remain professional under stressful circumstances.
Front Desk Associate is among the popular jobs in the Hospitality industry! In some parts of Asia, you can earn a high base salary of around USD 6700 per year (in Thailand) to USD 8000 per year (in Malaysia) as an entry-level Front Desk Associate. Of course, as you level up to a higher position, the salary is expected to rise as well!
5. Hotel Concierge
The Hotel Concierge.
The Hotel Concierge, or simply “Concierge”, is a professional who is responsible for liaising hotel guests with various hotel services and facilities. Although a Concierge is primarily in charge of making sure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, their duties encompass a lot more such as providing guests with information, making recommendations, arranging transportation, booking reservations for events, and more.
As a Hotel Concierge, an individual is required to possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills;
- Good knowledge of local attractions and events, along with proficiency in reservation systems software,
- Minimum a high school diploma or equivalent, and previous experience in customer service area.
Since the Hotel Concierge role involves interactions with all guests on a regular basis, the ability to speak multiple languages is essential and even mandatory in some hotels. An ideal Hotel Concierge should also be able to maintain a professional demeanor, as well as work efficiently under pressure.
Working as a Hotel Concierge offers plenty of opportunities and benefits. If you choose to work in Middle East countries, you can earn around USD 13000 per year as a Junior Hotel Concierge in Qatar, while in UAE, the average gross salary is USD 27800 annually–both are considered high-paid in these two countries. However, keep in mind that the higher the job salary is, the harder it is to compete as a candidate!
Factors Contributing to High-Paying Hotel Jobs
Hotel Employees.
There are valid reasons why some jobs in hotels offer higher salaries. Here are a few factors that can help you negotiate with your future employers better:
1. Educational and Experience Levels
Educational background and job experience of an individual play a vital role in determining the salary of their positions in the hotel. Individuals with advanced degrees and more experience years are often considered to be more capable in work, so they typically receive greater salary numbers for their expertise and qualifications.
2. Market Demand for the Job
The second factor is the market demand for the job. If a particular position in the Hospitality industry is in high demand, one of the strategies deployed by employers is setting high salaries to attract top candidates. However, if the market demand for a particular position is low, the amount of the salary is low as well.
3. Responsibilities Level
Another factor that contributes to high salaries is the level of responsibilities in each job. Department leaders, general managers, and other positions with greater responsibilities are usually given high salaries, as their jobs require advanced levels of expertise, leadership, and decision-making.
Tips to Get High-Paying Hotel Jobs
A Candidate Successfully Passed the Job Interview.
In order to impress the recruiter, there are several steps to land the high-paying job you should aim for:
1. Build a Strong Resume
Your resume is your first impression to the employer. As hotels want to find the right candidate, it’s important to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience that will show you as a top candidate.
2. Expand Your Network
Networking is one of the essential keys to obtaining jobs in the Hospitality industry. By maximizing online platforms such as LinkedIn, you can connect with many industry experts, as well as gain insights and opportunities from them.
3. Know the Hotel
It’s important to know about your potential workplace. Show the employer that you are knowledgeable about the hotel’s culture and standards before attending the job interview.
4. Prepare for Practical Assessments
Some hotels require practical assessments to test the candidate’s capabilities, such as skill tests or role-play simulations. Hence, make sure you have a good understanding of the job you are applying for and practice properly!
5. Do a Follow-up
After a job interview, you can send your thanks, show your interest, and reiterate your qualifications for the job. This tip will help you make a good impression on the recruiter and raise your chances of getting high-paying jobs!
Opportunities
As the Hospitality industry is constantly evolving, job opportunities in this field are becoming more accessible for those who aim to advance their careers. While high-paying hotel jobs are dynamic, competitive, and often require higher qualifications, they offer endless possibilities for professional growth. With training and experience, there’s always room for anyone to achieve a lucrative career in the Hospitality industry!
The good news is that RMC Asia is one of the few agencies that can help young talents secure an internship or management training in the Hospitality industry. These programs allow participants to experience hands-on work with industry professionals at prestigious hotels and resorts while immersing themselves in the culture of our programs’ destinations!
If you are interested, you may join us now and embark on an unforgettable journey to success!
Recommended: Food and Beverage Department: Responsibilities, Services, and Prospects
