Job opportunities in hospitality management can be found in diverse settings including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues, cruise lines and tourism companies, offering pathways to leadership roles across the industry. Professionals with hospitality management credentials can pursue careers in operations management, guest services, food and beverage management, event coordination and executive leadership positions.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management program prepares students for these varied career opportunities by combining business fundamentals with specialized hospitality training. The program equips graduates with essential skills in customer service excellence, operational efficiency, financial management and strategic planning. These are the competencies that industry employers seek in hospitality professionals at all levels of an organization.
Restaurant and Bar Management Careers
The hospitality industry employs many professionals in hotels and restaurants. Restaurant or bar managers oversee operations across all functions of the business, from managing inventory to budgeting to hiring and training. They ensure the effective and efficient execution of all activities to maximize profits while creating an excellent customer experience.
Self-motivated individuals with strong organizational skills can excel in this position. According to December 2025 ZipRecruiter data, the average salary for restaurant and bar managers is $63,435 per year.
Hotel Management Careers
Similar to restaurant and bar management, hotel managers ensure all departments run smoothly and communicate well. Hotel managers are responsible for administrative tasks as well as customer service. Depending on the kind of environment a professional thrives in, they may find success in managing a large chain hotel or a smaller, independently-owned inn.
Another entry-level position in the hotel industry is guest service agent. These professionals serve as the initial point of contact, building positive relationships with hotel guests from the beginning of their stay. Guest service agents spend the majority of their time interacting with clients, giving them information about restaurants and attractions to visit and coordinating other services.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for hotel managers is $64,068 per year, as of December 2025. Guest service agents average $33,806 annually. However, those with sufficient time on the job may pursue guest service management positions with an average annual salary of $44,307. Gaining experience and education is key to landing management and upper-level executive positions.
Event Planning and Management Careers
Another option for those with a bachelor’s in hospitality management involves coordinating events and meetings. Monster contributor Jon Simmons writes, “When an organization has to plan a big event (think convention, conference, or board meeting), the leaders will call on a meeting/event manager to handle every last detail, from booking a venue to planning a menu to controlling the budget.”
This position involves working with the venue for the event, coordinating contracted vendors and liaising with the company or organization hosting the event. Event planners, coordinators and managers may work independently or directly for larger organizations with an event management team, often a component of the marketing department. ZipRecruiter places the average event manager salary at $62,734 per year, as of December 2025.
Travel and Tourism Career Opportunities
Organizing travel for private or corporate groups is another option for BBA in hospitality management graduates. Travel agents, tour operators and other travel/tourism management professionals assist clients and touring groups with choosing destinations and services. They plan and manage aspects of travel like flights, hotels, transportation, and attractions and recreation experiences.
Overall, these professionals are responsible for helping travelers have the best possible experience. ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for travel/tourism managers to be $76,311 per year, as of December 2025.
Advance a Hospitality Career with Specialized Education
The above roles are just a few of the many job opportunities available in the hospitality industry. As one of the fastest growing and most versatile industries, hospitality offers professionals the flexibility to work in a variety of settings using skills that seamlessly transfer from one position to another. This allows individuals to find the career path that suits them best.
Southeastern’s online BBA in Hospitality Management program provides the specialized education and business foundation needed to pursue leadership positions across the hospitality industry. Through a curriculum combining core business principles with hospitality-specific training in operations management, customer service excellence and industry best practices, the program prepares graduates to step into management roles and advance toward executive positions in hotels, restaurants, events, tourism and beyond.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online BBA in Hospitality Management program.