Lodging Managers
Lodging managers ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at an accommodations facility. They also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable.
Is lodging managers a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #400 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($69,250)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What lodging managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. lodging managers earn between $49,530 and $94,030 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live lodging managers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Lodging managers typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation. High school students interested in becoming a lodging manger may benefit from taking classes in hospitality management, which may be offered at some high schools.
Full-service facilities may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or hotel management. Hotel management programs typically include instruction in hotel administration, housekeeping, food service management, and hotel maintenance, as well as in business subjects such as accounting, marketing, and sales. Systems training is also an integral part of many degree programs, because lodging facilities use hospitality-specific software in reservations, billing, and housekeeping management. Employers may seek candidates whose degree is from an accredited hospitality management program.
At limited-service facilities, candidates with an associate’s degree or a certificate in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management may qualify for lodging manager positions. Technical institutes and vocational or trade schools also may offer courses that are recognized by the hospitality industry.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Professional certification may be beneficial. Certification may require passing exams and completing industry work experience.
Advancement
Lodging facility employees who show leadership potential and have several years of experience may qualify for assistant manager positions.
Large facilities, including well-established chains, may offer better advancement opportunities than small, independently owned ones. For example, opportunities may include advancing from assistant manager to manager or from managing one facility to managing several in a region.
Important qualities
Business skills. Lodging managers need to operate a facility that is profitable. To do so, they must be able to address budget matters and coordinate and supervise workers.
Customer-service skills. Lodging managers must have excellent customer-service skills. Satisfying guests is critical to a facility’s success and helps to ensure their loyalty.
Interpersonal skills. Lodging managers interact regularly with many different people. They must be effective communicators and be able to have positive interactions with guests and staff, even in stressful situations.
Leadership skills. Lodging managers must establish a productive work environment, which may involve motivating personnel, resolving conflicts, and handling guests’ complaints.
Listening skills. Lodging managers must have excellent listening skills for attending to the needs of guests and maintaining a good working relationship with staff.
Organizational skills. Lodging managers need to keep track of many different schedules, budgets, and people at once.
Problem-solving skills. Lodging managers must be able to resolve personnel issues and guest complaints.
Related occupations
How much do lodging managers make?
The national median wage is $69,250 a year, with the middle half earning between $49,530 and $94,030 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is lodging managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #400 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a lodging manager?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do lodging managers earn the most?
Among states, Hawaii pays the highest median ($114,070). Local pay for every state and metro is below.