What is a hospitality job?

Hospitality as an industry is broad and covers a wide range of leisure and recreational areas, such as hotels and resorts, restaurants and cafes, casinos, events, cruise lines, theme parks and more.

Common hospitality jobs include:

• Chef
• Restaurant manager
• Food and beverage manager
• Waiter/waitress
• Concierge
• Catering manager
• Catering assistant
• Hotel manager 
• Bartender
• Barista
• Food server
• Cashier
• Host/hostess
• Store manager
• Area manager

Many jobs in the hospitality industry involve face-to-face customer service, but there are also plenty of other behind-the-scenes roles that need to be filled. For example, a hotel or restaurant chain might need to fill roles such as:

• Sales manager
• Marketing manager
• CEO
• CFO
• Operations manager
• IT manager

With this in mind, there are opportunities in the hospitality industry for professionals with a diverse range of experience.

How can I get a hospitality job in Australia?

Getting a hospitality job in Australia depends on the type of work you’re looking to do and how much experience you have. Casual hospitality jobs in restaurants and cafes are often available even if you have no prior experience in the industry. 

That said, if you’re aiming for a more long-term hospitality career, or if you’re looking for higher level work, pursuing a qualification is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. Institutions such as TAFE and the Australian Professional Skills Institute (APSI) offer certificates, diplomas and degrees specialising in different areas of hospitality.

Whether you’re looking for casual or contract work, or a permanent role, it’s a good idea to speak to a recruitment agency with specialist expertise who can connect you with relevant hospitality job opportunities.

What are the best jobs in hospitality?

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook data, the highest-paying jobs in hospitality are as follows:

• Accommodation and hospitality managers – weekly pay $2,068
• Retail managers – weekly pay $1,440
• Actors, dancers and entertainers – weekly pay $1,366
• Conference and event organisers – weekly pay $1,347
• Cafe and restaurant managers – weekly pay $1,346

However, keep in mind that salary is just one piece of the job satisfaction puzzle. Deciding on the best job in hospitality for you should come down to evaluating your values, career goals and the sort of company you want to work for. 

Remember that even if an employer can’t offer you the highest salary, benefits like a healthy work/life balance and development opportunities can be just as valuable as the pay packet when it comes to finding the best hospitality jobs.

How do I get a job in hospitality?

There’s no magic formula for landing a job in hospitality, but these are some general tips that could help you get ahead:

• Start small – be willing to take on entry-level hospitality roles where no experience is required, and learn on the job
• Pursue qualifications – consider studying to earn a certificate, diploma or degree in your area of interest
• Grow your network – talk to people you know in the hospitality industry, attend industry events and get involved in relevant online communities
• Get expert help – talk to a recruitment agency with specialist expertise who can connect you to opportunities in the hospitality industry