Hospitality and food service

Hospitality is a huge, dynamic industry, constantly being affected by an array of changing forces, and, in turn, having its own big effect on our economy and the job market. In Greater Boston and throughout the state, the hotel and restaurant business has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years."After 9/11, growth was considerably more slow than before," said Michael Auerbach, deputy director of the Massachusetts Lodging Association. "Since then, we've had modest growth. Stellar? No."Boston, he said, has seen some growth from last year, "but we'd like to see it stronger than it is."With the new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center hoping to fill more dates, and a number of new hotels opening or under construction, the picture is hopeful but unclear.Careers in hotels and restaurants include hundreds of opportunities from chief executives and facilities managers to accountants, front-desk clerks, waiters, janitors, chefs, and marketing and sales personnel. For jobs in lodging or food service, contact human resource departments, or visit hcareers.com or restaurant.org.EXECUTIVE CHEFSAverage salary: $44,830 (chefs). Executive chefs average $60,000 and up, depending on reputation and the restaurant's status. Most receive bonuses.Demand: Good. Job opportunities are generally good around the area, as the restaurant scene stays fairly lively; openings occur as chefs move around, but competition is tough.Qualifications: Those aspiring to top spots usually need formal training at a culinary institution, college, or vocational school.LINE COOKSAverage salary: $25,770 (restaurant); $21,800 (fast food); $29,270 (institution); $24,670 (short order)Demand: Good. Restaurants and hotels always need cooks, and turnover is high at many places. But institutions and fast-food establishments are hiring fewer cooks and combining duties to reduce costs.Qualifications: Cooks can learn on the job; vocational schools and community college programs improve chances of promotion.FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTORSAverage salary: $52,450Demand: Good. With tourism growth in the area, hotel and restaurant job opportunities are fairly good; schools, hospitals, and other institutions also need directors.Qualifications: Several good regional two- and four-year college culinary and lodging programs are valuable in getting a start.HOTEL GENERAL MANAGERSAverage salary: $62,320 average, but depends on hotel size and status. Lodging and food often included.Demand: Fairly good. New hotels opening offer job possibilities, but the overall picture, though hopeful, remains unclear.Qualifications: Degree in liberal arts or hotel management preferred; industry experience necessary for management.HOUSEKEEPING STAFFAverage salary: $23,270 (maids and housekeeping cleaners); $25,920 (janitors and cleaners); $40,180 (supervisors)Demand: Good. High turnover means jobs are usually available.Qualifications: On-the-job training. Better language skills improve opportunities.WAIT STAFFAverage salary: $23,870, plus tipsDemand: Good. Lower-priced and mid-level restaurants offer more openings than high-end establishments.Qualifications: High school education, neat appearance, friendly personality necessary.BARTENDERSAverage salary: $24,320, plus tipsDemand: Good. But the market is tight for the best jobs where tips are good.Qualifications: Be 21 years of age, know local laws, have good personality. Training available at bartending school or on the job