Some high school students may work a part-time job at a fast food restaurant and not think much of it . But a job like that could get you started on a career in the hospitality industry .
The hospitality industry includes careers in food service , tourism , lodging , gaming , and event planning . Jobs in the hospitality sector are a major part of Northwest Arkansas ’ tourism economy .
Everyone enjoys a meal out , but running a successful restaurant takes a lot of work . Each restaurant has a front of house and back of house staff . The front of house staff includes the host or hostess and servers we are used to seeing when we dine out .
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The back of house staff includes the chef , sous chef and line cooks who prepare your food .
The number of jobs for chefs and head cooks is expected to grow by nine percent nationally , according to the U . S . Bureau of Labor Statistics . Across the country , the median pay is $ 41,500 per year .
Most chefs learn through on-the-job training or attending a culinary program , like Northwest Arkansas Community College ’ s Brightwater Center which teaches culinary arts as well as hospitality and restaurant management .
Front of house workers can earn promotions into management roles . Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants , ensuring customer satisfaction , and making sure the restaurant is profitable . Jobs for food service managers are expected to grow locally by 33 percent in the next 10 years , according to Northwest Arkansas Workforce Connection . Those managers earn an average of $ 53,000 per year .
The hospitality industry also includes careers that cater to travelers . Hotel , motel and resort desk clerks and lodging managers account for a large number of jobs in the hospitality sector . Jobs for hotel desk clerks are expected to increase by 55 percent in Northwest Arkansas , according to NWA Workforce Connection .
Employees in this entry-level position earn an average of $ 18,300 per year but could move up to higher-paying positions . Lodging managers can earn much more , with experienced managers making more than $ 60,000 each year . The number of lodging manager jobs is expected to rise eight percent nationally by 2024 .
Travelers also often rely on another type of hospitality worker to find their way around a new city : drivers .