Lodging Manager

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Lodging Manager?

Lodging Managers are responsible for ensuring that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other types of establishment with accommodations. They also ensure that the establishment is run efficiently and profitably.

Sample job titles:

Front Desk Manager, Front Office Manager, Hotel Manager, Resort Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Lodging Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Lodging Manager earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Lodging Manager.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$55K per year	$78K per year	$105K per year	$143K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Lodging Manager do?

Work environment

Lodging Managers typically work in hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging places. The work environment may vary from small, family-run establishments to large, luxury hotels. This role often requires working long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly in hotels that are open around the clock.

Quick task list

Oversees the operational aspects of the establishment, including reservations, customer service, and housekeeping.
Hires, trains, and manages staff.
Sets room rates, manages budgets, and oversees financial management.
Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
Handles customer complaints and ensures a high level of guest satisfaction.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Hotel Management: Overseeing the operation of a full-service hotel.
Resort Management: Managing a vacation resort with additional amenities like spas, recreational activities, and restaurants.
Motel Management: Operating smaller lodging establishments that provide basic accommodations.
Bed and Breakfast Management: Running small, homey lodging establishments that offer overnight accommodation and breakfast.

Description

Lodging Managers play a critical role in the hospitality industry, ensuring that guests receive high-quality service and that their stay is comfortable and enjoyable. They must possess a blend of customer service skills and business acumen, as they are responsible for both the operational and financial aspects of the establishment. This role involves a great deal of interaction with guests and staff, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

A Lodging Manager's responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of establishment. In smaller hotels or motels, they may oversee all aspects of operation, while in larger hotels, they may specialize in a particular area. Regardless of the size, the goal is always to provide excellent customer service while maintaining profitability.

Staying current with trends in the hospitality industry, understanding market dynamics, and adapting to changing customer needs are essential skills for a Lodging Manager. They must also be adept at problem-solving, often needing to address issues related to staff, guests, or the facility promptly and effectively.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing guests with an enjoyable and memorable experience.
The dynamic nature of the work and interaction with different people.
The challenge and reward of managing business operations successfully.

You might make a good Lodging Manager if you are...

Passionate about providing excellent customer service.
Skilled in leadership, communication, and organization.
Interested in hospitality and enjoy working with a diverse range of people.
Capable of making decisions under pressure and solving problems effectively.
Business-savvy with an interest in managing operations.

Pros:

Diverse Responsibilities: Lodging managers handle a variety of tasks, from guest services to budget management, offering a dynamic work environment.
Interpersonal Interaction: Regular interaction with guests and staff, providing opportunities to meet a diverse range of people.
Career Advancement: Potential for advancement within the hospitality industry, including opportunities to work in different locations or upscale properties.
Creative and Strategic Input: Ability to influence the customer experience, marketing strategies, and overall ambiance of the lodging establishment.

Cons:

Long and Irregular Hours: Often includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially in establishments that operate 24/7.
High-Stress Situations: Dealing with dissatisfied guests and managing staff can be challenging and stressful.
Financial Pressure: Responsible for maintaining profitability, managing budgets, and responding to market fluctuations.
Rapid Industry Changes: Keeping up with changing trends in hospitality and customer expectations requires constant adaptation.

How to become a Lodging Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in hospitality or hotel management is commonly preferred, although some lodging managers have only a high school diploma and long-term work experience in the industry. Education in business management, accounting, marketing, or related fields can also be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies: Fundamental knowledge in business management, finance, and marketing.
Hospitality or Home Economics: Introduction to the basics of hospitality and guest services.
Foreign Languages: Useful for communicating with guests from diverse backgrounds.
Communication Studies: Effective communication is crucial in customer service and staff management.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Hospitality or Tourism Clubs: Provides insights into the industry.
Leadership Roles in School Organizations: Develops leadership and organizational skills.
Part-Time Jobs in Hospitality: Experience in hotels, restaurants, or similar settings offers practical exposure to the industry.

Preparation after high school

Hospitality Management Program: Either at a vocational school or a college, focusing on lodging management.
Bachelor's Degree: In hospitality management, business administration, or a related field.
Internships: In hotels or other lodging establishments for hands-on experience.
Certifications: Such as the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) for professional recognition and career advancement.

More resources

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) - Provides resources, education, and advocacy for professionals in the lodging industry, including managers.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A comprehensive tool for career exploration and job analysis, with detailed information about the role of a Lodging Manager.
Hospitality Net - Offers industry news, trends, and insights relevant to the hospitality sector, including lodging management.
Hotel Management - An online publication providing news, analysis, and management strategies for hotel managers.
The International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) - Provides a global platform for hospitality industry professionals, including resources and networking opportunities.
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration - Offers extensive educational resources and research in hotel management.
eCornell - Cornell University's online learning platform, providing courses in hospitality and hotel management.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.