How to Create Career Pathways in Hospitality

The evidence is clear: the hospitality industry is a key driver of the United States' economy. According to a report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the hospitality industry contributes nearly $600 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, accounts for 1 in 25 U.S. jobs, and is responsible for approximately $97 billion in annual wages and salary income.

Furthermore, the hospitality industry is uniquely positioned for significant growth over the next five years. According to data from Mordor Intelligence, the U.S. hospitality market size was estimated at $235.96 billion in 2024, with projections indicating it could reach $299.29 billion by 2029.

However, the hospitality industry’s continued growth relies on a stable, dedicated labor force. Ensuring the industry’s continued growth trajectory means securing a ready reservoir of workers who are not only subject experts on various topics but also endowed with the soft skills—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity—essential to hospitality. Here are a few ways to support the hospitality industry’s workforce of the future:

Highlight the Availability of High Paying Hospitality Jobs

A common misconception about hospitality is that these roles are low-paying or lack career advancement opportunities. This is not true. In fact, research shows that the average wage in the hospitality industry has increased by almost 30% since 2021, outpacing the wage increases of the nation’s highest-paying sectors. There are also many opportunities for forward movement in hospitality.

Yet, this misperception may create a divide between the industry and potential young workers. Providing examples of competitive salaries and benefits, strong career paths, and redefining workplace culture are the first steps in making these roles more enticing.

Build Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development is another important way to retool the misperception of hospitality. Offering chances to improve skills, such as technology training and degree assistance, strengthens the employer-employee relationship and creates a better workplace environment and culture.

Cultivating abilities and engaging with employee curiosity improves the overall stability of the workforce, leading to more skilled workers and increased retention rates. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, companies that offer their employees talent development opportunities had a 15% higher internal mobility rate than companies that did not. It’s simple: the more skilled the employee, the more well-rounded they are and able to contribute to the success of the organization.

Many of these positions also offer the flexibility students and young professionals seek in their careers. This allows them to attend classes and pursue other interests while working, creating more well-rounded employees in the long run. By emphasizing the welcoming nature of the role and incorporating more career advancement opportunities, more young people will consider future careers in hospitality.

However, it is not enough for higher wages and support for career growth to exist. Professionals in the hospitality industry must also take steps to share this information with the public. Speaking on college campuses, holding recruitment fairs, and creating up-to-date and engaging communication materials are a few ways this could be accomplished.

Maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring benefits and resources are up to par with worker expectations and industry standards will create an extraordinary difference in how the public perceives hospitality careers.

Highlight Diverse Opportunities in Hospitality

There are many unique and dynamic careers in the hospitality industry. From hotel management and event planning to culinary arts and facilities management to marketing and computer programming, the hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities and developments far beyond what the public may consider a hospitality job.

Effectively communicating the diversity of these positions will attract a greater number of applicants. Career Connect, a digital platform that connects K-12 classrooms with professionals across various industries, demystifies the hospitality industry for young students by showcasing the multitude of careers it offers. Students connect with professionals and explore a wide range of career opportunities across many industries, including hospitality.

Having access to career professionals and gaining exposure to the different job offerings within hospitality inspires young talent to join the industry. The hospitality industry should take advantage of its unique range of jobs and connect with students early to show them the many career pathways available.

Build Networks with Future Employees Early

As the industry changes, hospitality professionals must strive to facilitate a closer relationship with the next generation of workers.

More internship and mentorship programs will bridge that gap between students and professionals and give them experience in the workforce that will increase their employability. Workshops and seminars led by industry professionals can offer students hands-on experiences and insights into new aspects of hospitality, preparing them to thrive in the industry’s ever-evolving landscape. Additionally, students will have unique insights and skills to bring into the workforce, helping to further strengthen and change hospitality.

Highlighting the diverse positions available will have the added bonus of emphasizing career trajectories and possibilities to the public. It is hard to conceptualize what a career could look like when the industry feels abstract. Being able to put a face to a job, ask questions, and interact with industry professionals is just the first step of many to discover interesting positions. Simply knowing about opportunities often acts as a catalyst when deciding on a career.

It might seem simple, but one of the best ways to attract young, new talent to the hospitality industry is by being willing to hear from and speak directly with young people.

By investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals, we can ensure a powerful future for the industry.