Best paid jobs in a hotel

The hotel industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities, with some positions offering attractive salaries. From reception to management, there are various roles that are not only challenging but also financially rewarding. Hotel salaries vary greatly depending on the position, experience, and location. Generally, hotels in large cities and luxurious five-star hotels offer higher salaries than smaller hotels in rural areas. In this article, we will delve into the best-paid jobs in a hotel. Whether you are already working in the hospitality sector or considering entering it, this overview will provide insights into the most financially attractive career paths within the hotel industry.

Hotel manager

A hotel manager has a versatile and challenging role in the hotel industry. They serve as the link between the management and staff, translating policies into practical activities and coordinating the staff in their implementation. The hotel manager is responsible for the daily functioning of the hotel, ensuring the staff performs their duties correctly. They are the point of contact for both guests and staff and oversee the guests' stay. The salary of a hotel manager in the Netherlands varies based on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the hotel. On average, a hotel manager earns between €3,500 and €9,000 gross per month. Additionally, variable compensation, including bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing, is common. Salaries can vary significantly by company and location. For instance, PPHE Hotel Group offers an average total salary of €7,500 per month, while budget hotels average around €3,000 per month.

F&B manager

The F&B manager is responsible for the procurement, preparation, and sale of food and beverage products within the hotel. They oversee various departments, including the kitchen, waiter, bar, banqueting, and room service. The F&B manager ensures the department operates efficiently and meets the hotel's quality standards and financial goals. In the Netherlands, an F&B manager's salary varies based on experience, location, and the hotel's size. On average, an F&B manager earns between €3,000 and €6,500 gross per month. Differences exist among companies:

  • Van der Valk Hotels & Restaurants: average total salary around €3,000 per month.

  • Vermaat Groep: average salary of €5,000 per month.

  • Hilton: annual salary between €2,500 and €5,000.

The starting salary for an F&B manager is approximately €3,000 gross per month. With 0-2 years of experience, this can rise to €3,500. For mid-level (3-5 years of experience), the salary ranges from €3,000 to €4,500 per month. Experienced F&B managers with over 5 years of experience can expect a salary between €4,000 and €6,500 gross per month.

Executive chef

The executive chef plays a crucial role in the hotel's or restaurant's kitchen. They oversee all culinary aspects and are responsible for the financial and personnel policies within the kitchen. The executive chef reports to the general manager or the owner/manager, depending on the business model. When necessary, the executive chef is also hands-on. Recent data shows that the average salary for an executive chef in the Netherlands is around €4,200 gross per month.

Sommelier

A sommelier is a specialized wine expert who plays a crucial role in luxury restaurants. They advise guests on the best wines to pair with their meals and possess in-depth knowledge of grape varieties, wine regions, and vinification processes. Sommeliers work closely with key restaurant figures such as the maître d'hôtel, restaurant manager,

and kitchen staff to ensure the wine service complements the overall dining experience. On average, a sommelier earns about €3,150 gross per month. The starting salary is around €2,700 gross per month, with a maximum salary of up to €3,600 gross per month for a 40-hour workweek. Salary breakdown:

  • Junior level (0-2 years of experience): €2,700 - €3,400 gross per month.

  • Mid-level (3-5 years of experience): €2,700 - €3,600 gross per month.

  • Senior level (over 5 years of experience): €3,000 - €3,600 gross per month.

Revenue Manager

A revenue manager is responsible for optimizing revenue and maximizing profit. They handle the pricing and reservation strategies for rooms and, secondarily, for food & beverage and banqueting. The revenue manager uses advanced technology and big data to make data-driven decisions, prepares annual budgets and forecasts, and continuously adjusts prices based on market conditions. The average salary for a revenue manager ranges from €3,000 to €6,500 per month, with an average of €4,500. Additional compensation such as bonuses and profit sharing is common. Salary differences between companies include:

Starting salaries for revenue managers typically range from €2,500 to €3,300 gross per month, depending on knowledge and experience.

Sales & marketing manager

The sales & marketing manager leads the sales & marketing department, where various employees handle sales and marketing activities. This role combines both sales and marketing aspects, with a key task being team leadership. The sales & marketing manager motivates and inspires employees to perform their tasks optimally and acts as a point of contact for issues. The average salary for a sales & marketing manager in the Netherlands is around €4,750 gross per month, varying based on experience and performance:

  • Junior level (0-2 years of experience): €3,500 - €4,375 gross per month.

  • Mid-level (3-5 years of experience): €4,000 - €5,500 gross per month.

  • Senior level (over 5 years of experience): €5,100 - €6,500 gross per month.

Additional benefits often include a 13th-month salary and a company car.

General manager

The general manager is responsible for overall business operations and achieving strategic goals. Acting as a mini-CEO, the general manager oversees daily operations and ensures all departments perform optimally. They work closely with department heads to discuss operational goals and provide necessary resources. The median salary for a general manager in the Netherlands is around €8,000 per month, with most earning between €5,500 and €15,000 per month. Notably, hotels in Amsterdam offer significantly higher salaries than those outside the capital. In addition to base salaries, general managers enjoy attractive secondary benefits, including pension plans, travel allowances, mobile phones, dry-cleaning reimbursements, parking spaces, or company cars.

Director of operations

The director of operations oversees daily operations and various departments, ensuring the hotel operates smoothly and productively through effective management of procedures and staff coaching. This role requires excellent leadership and planning skills. The salary for a director of operations in the hotel sector ranges from approximately €6,000 to €12,000 or more per month, with more experienced directors at larger hotels or chains typically earning higher salaries.

Restaurant manager

The restaurant manager plays an essential role in the success of a hotel's restaurant. They oversee daily operations, staff coordination, quality standards compliance, and ensure an excellent hospitality experience. The restaurant manager collaborates closely with the kitchen and other departments to ensure seamless and efficient service. Responsibilities include scheduling, inventory management, budgeting, and staff training. In the Netherlands, the restaurant manager's salary varies based on experience, location, and hotel size, with an average range of €2,800 to €3,800 gross per month. In higher-end hotels or restaurants with higher revenue, this can rise to €4,500 gross per month or more. Additional benefits often include bonuses, tips, and other secondary benefits.