Hotel manager : Salary and conditions

• Typical salaries for an assistant general manager are around £21,000 to £40,000. Salaries vary widely depending on levels of competition, as well as the location and size of the hotel. As some positions may require the manager to 'live in' this will also be reflected in the salary offered.
• Typical salaries for general managers vary according to experience, location and size of the hotel, but can range from £21,000 to £55,000. Salaries at senior management level in large, internationally recognised hotels may be higher.
• Salaries rise with performance and progression but will be lower in small, independent hotels. For managers employed by large, global hotel groups, where there are opportunities to work overseas, the financial rewards are considerable. Additional benefits can include pension and life assurance schemes, private healthcare, share-ownership schemes, live-in accommodation, meals on duty, clothing allowance or provision of uniform, a flexible working pattern and discounted hotel accommodation worldwide.
• Working hours vary according to the type of hotel and location, but typically include regular unsocial hours, including working late nights, weekends and bank holidays. Working hours can be long and could restrict social and family life.
• Although some of the work is office-based, much of the time will be spent with customers and staff.
• Career breaks are possible, as is self-employment. Around 50% of hotel managers are self-employed in small hotels, motels, inns and residential clubs.
• Women make up almost 60% of the hospitality and leisure industry, yet only 6% of senior board executives are women (People 1st , 2011). Initiatives such as the Women 1st  programme are aimed at addressing this imbalance and supporting women into senior management roles.
• Jobs are available all over the UK and in many countries overseas. The more geographically mobile you can be, the greater the opportunities are for promotion. Relocation may be frequent and necessary for promotion purposes.
• Hotel management requires total commitment, as the work is exacting and demanding, with erratic, unsocial hours and constant pressures.
• Managers must dress smartly when on duty and must remain diplomatic, polite and patient at all times.
• Travel within a working day and absence from home overnight are possible.

Salary data from the UK Skills Council (UKSP). Figures are intended as a guide only.