Some high school students may work a part-time job at a fast food restaurant and not think much of it. But a job like that could get you started on a career in the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry includes careers in food service, tourism, lodging, gaming, and event planning. Jobs in the hospitality sector are a major part of Northwest Arkansas’ tourism economy.
Everyone enjoys a meal out, but running a successful restaurant takes a lot of work. Each restaurant has a front of house and back of house staff. The front of house staff includes the host or hostess and servers we are used to seeing when we dine out.
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The back of house staff includes the chef, sous chef and line cooks who prepare your food.
The number of jobs for chefs and head cooks is expected to grow by nine percent nationally, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Across the country, the median pay is $ 41,500 per year.
Most chefs learn through on-the-job training or attending a culinary program, like Northwest Arkansas Community College’ s Brightwater Center which teaches culinary arts as well as hospitality and restaurant management.
Front of house workers can earn promotions into management roles. Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants, ensuring customer satisfaction, and making sure the restaurant is profitable. Jobs for food service managers are expected to grow locally by 33 percent in the next 10 years, according to Northwest Arkansas Workforce Connection. Those managers earn an average of $ 53,000 per year.
The hospitality industry also includes careers that cater to travelers. Hotel, motel and resort desk clerks and lodging managers account for a large number of jobs in the hospitality sector. Jobs for hotel desk clerks are expected to increase by 55 percent in Northwest Arkansas, according to NWA Workforce Connection.
Employees in this entry-level position earn an average of $ 18,300 per year but could move up to higher-paying positions. Lodging managers can earn much more, with experienced managers making more than $ 60,000 each year. The number of lodging manager jobs is expected to rise eight percent nationally by 2024.
Travelers also often rely on another type of hospitality worker to find their way around a new city: drivers.