Hospitality & Food

How to become a Hotel Manager

From front desk or supervisor: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–6 years

Typical pay

$58k–$85k

Starting from

Front desk or supervisor

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from front desk or supervisor and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–5 years

   Work multiple departments

   Front office, housekeeping and F&B. General managers are generalists by definition.

   Course that covers thisHotel Management - Foundation Course for Hotel ManagersUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Learn revenue management

   Rate strategy and occupancy forecasting drive the entire P&L.

   Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   2–3 years

   Take an assistant manager role

   Own a department and its budget before the property.

4. 4

   Consider a CHA

   AHLEI's hotel administrator credential, useful for branded properties.

   ◆ CHA (AHLEI)

5. ✓

   Destination

   Hotel Manager

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