Lodging managers ensure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other types of establishment with accommodations. They also ensure that the establishment is run efficiently and profitably.

Because hotels are open 24 hours a day, evening and weekend work is common. Most lodging managers work full time and are often on call. The work can be pressure filled and stressful.

Many applicants can qualify as a lodging manager by having a high school diploma and several years of experience working in a hotel. However, most large, full-service hotels require applicants to have a bachelor's degree. Hotels that provide fewer services generally accept applicants who have an associate's degree or a certificate in hotel management or operations. 

The median annual wage for lodging managers was $49,720 in May 2015.

Employment of lodging managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in hotel or hospitality management are expected to have the best job opportunities. Applicants can expect strong competition for most jobs.

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