Let's make money! The salary of a hotel manager / hotel specialist

Do you want to work where others go on vacation? Then the profession of hotel specialist is just right for you. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind about jobs and companies. Choosing the right employer can have a big impact on your salary. That's why we'll show you in this article how much money you can expect to earn each month and what you should pay attention to.

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Vacancies: Requirements and tasks of a hotel manager

Before you can apply for a job as a hotel manager, you must complete an apprenticeship. During this time, you will work in various departments in your hotel and learn about different areas of responsibility. These include, for example, the reception, housekeeping or service in the restaurant. After your training, you can decide where you would prefer to work. A quick tip beforehand: If you want to supplement your salary, choose an area in which you can receive tips.

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Before and after the training: This is how much you earn as a hotel manager

The apprenticeship usually lasts three years. Sounds like a long time and you've already worked? Then you can shorten it to 2 or 2.5 years. This requires that you already have work experience such as a completed apprenticeship or previous school experience. 

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Earnings during the training period

As mentioned, the training usually lasts three years, with the salary increasing from year to year. While you can expect a salary between €620 and €815 in the first year, it increases to an amount between €675 and €930 in the second year. In the final year, salaries between €775 and €1065 are the norm.

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The salary of a hotel manageress after training

The starting salary after training ranges from €1,625 to €2,415. We will show you the reasons for the large salary differences in the next sections. As in the years of training, however, the salary also increases with the years of professional experience. While the average salary in the first five years is around €1,600, it increases to €1,750 with five to ten years of professional experience. After that, it can rise by a further €1,000 over the next ten years. 

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More salary through the collective agreement

As a hotel manager, you can be employed both with and without a collective agreement. Basically, it can be said that employment with a collective agreement is more advantageous. Here, employees always earn a bit more than employees without a collective agreement. However, there is a catch. In the case of work covered by a collective agreement, the employer does not have to pay any bonuses. If you don't have a problem working nights or holidays, night and holiday bonuses can pay off. 

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More knowledge - more money: Your opportunities for further training

If you want to earn more money, the profession of hotel manager offers you several opportunities. The more knowledge you accumulate, the more salary you will get. These further training courses are possible:

• Completion of a training certificate
• Further training as a sommelier
• School Additional qualifications: e.g.: Business economist for the hotel and catering industry
• Study: e.g.: Hotel and tourism management 

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Eyes open when choosing a location

Not only the what, but also the where has an impact on your salary. Depending on the federal state, hotel specialists earn more or less. The difference between western and eastern Germany is particularly striking. In the east, hotel specialists generally receive less salary. This could be due, among other things, to the fact that fewer employees in the east are paid according to collective agreements.

Hotel specialists earn the most in Hamburg and Hesse. In the Hanseatic city, the average gross monthly salary is €2,008 and in Hesse €1,979. In the midfield is Berlin, for example, with an average gross monthly salary of €1,760. Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania bring up the rear. Here, female hoteliers earn an average of €1,441 and €1,404 gross, respectively.  

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Jobs as a hotel manager: what to look out for in your application

However, there are other factors that you should check before applying, as they affect the salary. One of them is the size of the company. The bigger the company is, the higher your salary will be. Especially larger hotels, but often also smaller ones, offer you the possibility to work full or part time.

Unfortunately, gender still often plays a role in this profession. Men often receive a higher salary than women. Therefore, make sure that you apply to a company that does not discriminate on the basis of gender. 

Before you apply, you should also consider whether you would prefer to start with a higher salary and a collective agreement or whether you would like to supplement your income with bonuses. As already mentioned, even without a collective agreement you have the opportunity to collect night, Sunday or holiday bonuses. Without a collective agreement, however, you should make sure that the company of your choice actually pays them.

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FAQ

How much does a hotel manager earn?

Depending on professional experience, company size and location, the salary can vary greatly. On average, a hotel specialist earns about €1,600 after training. This amount increases with the years you have worked. With five to ten years of work experience, it increases to €1,750. After that, it can increase by another €1,000 over the next ten years. 

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What are the duties of a hotel manageress?

The duties of a hotel specialist can be summarized as planning and carrying out the work processes in the hotel. In doing so, they take care of the hotel guests, advise them and ensure their well-being in all departments. This includes, for example, working in the restaurant, assigning rooms, but also issuing invoices. In larger hotels, hotel specialists also frequently organize events or develop and carry out marketing measures.

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How long does the hotel management training last?

The dual training program to become a state-certified hotel specialist usually takes 3 years. However, it is possible to shorten it to 2 to 2.5 years. The prerequisite for this is that you already have professional experience or previous professional and academic knowledge. You can also shorten the training period if you have already completed an apprenticeship. 

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