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

The steps

1. 1

   Work multiple departments

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

   3–5 years

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

   Learn revenue management

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

   6–12 months

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

   Take an assistant manager role

   Own a department and its budget before the property.

   2–3 years

4. 4

   Consider a CHA

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

   CHA (AHLEI)

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.