Hospitality Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for leadership in dynamic service environments, this program equips students with the strategic and operational expertise needed to manage hospitality enterprises that deliver food, lodging, and guest experiences. It emphasizes real-world application across diverse settings, from boutique inns to large-scale resorts and full-service restaurants.
- Hospitality Industry Principles – Foundational knowledge of the global hospitality sector, including trends, customer expectations, and the interconnected nature of travel, tourism, and service delivery.
- Supply Chain and Inventory Management – Techniques for efficient procurement, storage, tracking, and control of food, beverage, and operational supplies to minimize waste and maintain quality.
- Facilities Design and Planning – Core concepts in architectural layout, space utilization, and infrastructure development tailored to hospitality environments for optimal guest flow and operational efficiency.
- Hospitality Law and Compliance – Legal frameworks governing contracts, liability, guest rights, employment regulations, and safety standards within lodging and food service operations.
- Personnel and Labor Relations – Strategies for recruiting, training, supervising, and retaining staff in high-turnover environments, including conflict resolution and team development.
- Financial Management – Budgeting, cost analysis, revenue forecasting, and financial reporting specific to hospitality operations, with an emphasis on profitability and fiscal accountability.
- Facilities and Maintenance Operations – Oversight of building systems, equipment upkeep, sustainability initiatives, and emergency preparedness to ensure safe, functional, and guest-ready environments.
- Marketing and Sales Promotion – Development and execution of digital and traditional campaigns, pricing models, and customer engagement strategies to drive occupancy, reservations, and brand loyalty.
- Convention and Event Management – Planning, coordination, and execution of conferences, weddings, corporate retreats, and special events, including logistics, vendor management, and guest experience design.
- Front Desk and Guest Services Operations – Mastery of check-in/check-out procedures, guest relations, reservation systems, and conflict resolution to deliver seamless, personalized service experiences.
- Specialized Operations Applications – Practical training in managing distinct hospitality segments such as luxury hotels, budget motels, fine dining establishments, and themed or experiential venues.
Hospitality Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hospitality Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hospitality Management degrees, including Business Teachers, Postsecondary, Lodging Managers and Food Service Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 367,360 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Lodging Managers 11-9081 | $68,130 | $39,490 - $126,990 | 41,350 | $32.76 |
| Food Service Managers 11-9051 | $65,310 | $42,380 - $105,420 | 244,230 | $31.40 |
Salary Comparison
Hospitality Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,343 in Arkansas to $98,793 in Alaska—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Rhode Island, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 367,360 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Hospitality Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Hospitality Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Hospitality Management is found at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) (38 graduates), Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) (33 graduates), Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) (30 graduates), Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) (30 graduates), and Nash Community College (30 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 432 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hospitality Management programs
How much can I earn with a Hospitality Management degree?
Salaries for Hospitality Management graduates vary by role and location. Business Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $97,270 annually, while Lodging Managers earn around $68,130. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $98,793 compared to $54,343 in Arkansas. Approximately 367,360 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Hospitality Management programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Hospitality Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) (38 graduates), Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) (33 graduates), and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) (30 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Hospitality Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 72 in 2010 to 432 in 2023-24. This represents a 500% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Hospitality Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Business Teachers, Postsecondary, Lodging Managers, and Food Service Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 367,360 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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