Hospitality and Recreation Marketing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals aiming to thrive in dynamic service environments, this program equips students with strategic marketing expertise tailored to the hospitality and recreation sectors. It emphasizes the integration of customer experience, operational efficiency, and promotional innovation to drive engagement and business growth in leisure-focused industries.
- Marketing Strategy in Hospitality and Recreation: Develops the ability to design and implement targeted campaigns that align with the unique needs of travel, entertainment, and leisure markets.
- Customer Experience Management: Focuses on techniques to enhance guest satisfaction through personalized service delivery and responsive client interactions.
- Operational Marketing Integration: Explores how marketing functions interconnect with day-to-day hospitality operations, from front desk services to event coordination.
- Retail and Merchandising in Leisure Contexts: Covers the promotion and sale of recreational goods, sport equipment, and branded merchandise within tourism and recreation venues.
- Food and Beverage Marketing: Addresses branding, menu development, and promotional tactics specific to restaurants, bars, and hospitality dining services.
- Office and Communication Systems: Builds proficiency in administrative workflows, digital communication tools, and telephone etiquette essential for client-facing roles.
Hospitality and Recreation Marketing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hospitality and Recreation Marketing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hospitality and Recreation Marketing degrees, including Marketing Managers and Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. 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 1,246,120 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers 11-2021 | $161,030 | $81,900 - $239,200 | 384,980 | $77.42 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 13-1161 | $76,950 | $42,070 - $144,610 | 861,140 | $37.00 |
Hospitality and Recreation Marketing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,040 in Wyoming to $142,955 in Massachusetts—a 151% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,246,120 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 and Recreation Marketing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Hospitality and Recreation Marketing 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 and Recreation Marketing is found at Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (21 graduates), Ferris State University (FSU) (19 graduates), Niagara County Community College (SUNY Niagara) (4 graduates), Grace College and Theological Seminary (3 graduates), and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 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.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
19 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Niagara County Community College (SUNY Niagara) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Sanborn, New York | Public | niagaracc.suny.edu |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Winona Lake, Indiana | Private | grace.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Temple University |
Other Award
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| Davis & Elkins College (D&E) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Elkins, West Virginia | Private | dewv.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hospitality and Recreation Marketing programs
How much can I earn with a Hospitality and Recreation Marketing degree?
Salaries for Hospitality and Recreation Marketing graduates vary by role and location. Marketing Managers earn a median of $161,030 annually, while Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists earn around $76,950. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $142,955 compared to $57,040 in Wyoming. Approximately 1,246,120 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 and Recreation Marketing programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Hospitality and Recreation Marketing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (21 graduates), Ferris State University (FSU) (19 graduates), and Niagara County Community College (SUNY Niagara) (4 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 and Recreation Marketing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 113 in 2010 to a peak of 70 in 2020, before declining slightly to 53 in 2023-24. This represents a 53% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 and Recreation Marketing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Marketing Managers, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,246,120 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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