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Finding a hotel job in the U.S. with visa sponsorship requires a strong application strategy. A well-prepared job application is not just a formality, it’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, highlight your experience, and demonstrate your commitment to the hospitality industry. Let me guide you through the key steps to securing a hotel job in the U.S. and provide practical advice on how to increase your chances of getting hired with visa sponsorship.
Types of Hotel Jobs in the USA
Hotel jobs in the USA cover various roles, including front desk and guest services like receptionists and concierges, housekeeping and maintenance positions such as room attendants and technicians, food and beverage roles including waiters, chefs, and bartenders, management and administrative positions like hotel managers and HR professionals, event and conference services roles such as event coordinators and banquet managers, and spa and wellness jobs like spa therapists and fitness trainers.
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- Front Desk & Guest Services (Receptionist, Concierge, Reservations Agent)
- Housekeeping & Maintenance (Room Attendant, Housekeeper, Maintenance Technician)
- Food & Beverage (Waiter/Waitress, Chef, Bartender, Kitchen Staff)
- Management & Administration (Hotel Manager, Front Office Manager, HR, Finance)
- Event & Conference Services (Event Coordinator, Banquet Manager)
- Spa & Wellness (Spa Therapist, Fitness Trainer)
Read: 10 High-Demand Jobs in Canada for 2025 That Pay Over $70K!
Salary Expectations & High-Paying Hotel Jobs
Entry-level hotel jobs in the USA typically pay between $15 and $20 per hour, while high-paying positions like hotel managers, executive chefs, and directors earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually. Tips and bonuses can significantly increase earnings, especially in customer-facing roles such as servers, bartenders, and concierge staff.
- Entry-level salaries range from $15–$20 per hour.
- High-paying roles like Hotel Manager and Executive Chef earn $60,000–$120,000 per year.
- Tips and bonuses can significantly increase earnings.
Requirements & Skills Needed
Basic hotel jobs in the USA require little to no experience. At the same time, management and specialized roles often need a degree in hospitality, business, or a related field, along with relevant experience. Essential skills include customer service, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced environment. Certifications in hospitality management, food safety, or housekeeping can also improve job prospects.
- Basic hospitality jobs require little to no experience.
- Management roles require a degree in hospitality or business, plus experience.
- Important skills: Customer service, communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
How to Apply for Hotel Jobs in the USA
To apply for hotel jobs in the USA, you can search on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Hcareers or apply directly through hotel websites such as Hilton and Marriott. You can also use recruitment agencies specializing in hospitality or network through LinkedIn, job fairs, and referrals. Make sure your resume is updated with relevant experience and skills, and be prepared for interviews to increase your chances of landing the job.
- Job Boards & Websites: Indeed, Glassdoor, Hcareers, Hilton, Marriott Careers.
- Direct Applications: Apply on hotel websites.
- Recruitment Agencies: Use agencies specializing in hospitality jobs.
- Networking: LinkedIn, job fairs, and referrals help secure top jobs.
Read: Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Job in Canada with Visa Sponsors
Work Visa & Sponsorship for Foreign Applicants
Foreign applicants seeking hotel jobs in the USA can apply for work visas like the H-2B for seasonal work, J-1 for internships, or H-1B for skilled roles. Major hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt often offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. It’s essential to apply early, ensure your qualifications meet visa requirements, and work with recruiters who specialize in hospitality placements to improve your chances.
- Common visa types: H-2B for seasonal work, J-1 for internships, and H-1B for skilled roles.
- Hotels like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt offer visa sponsorship.
- Apply early and ensure qualifications match visa requirements.
Best Cities for Hotel Jobs in the USA
The best cities for hotel jobs in the USA are those with high tourism and business activity. New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Orlando offer numerous opportunities due to their large number of hotels, resorts, and event venues. These cities attract both international travellers and local visitors, creating a steady demand for hospitality workers across various positions.
- New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Orlando.
- Tourist-heavy cities offer the best job opportunities.
Tips for Getting Hired Quickly
To get hired quickly for hotel jobs, consider obtaining relevant certifications like ServSafe or CHA to stand out. Improve your resume by highlighting any customer service or hospitality experience and tailor it to the job you’re applying for. Practice common interview questions to feel more prepared and confident.
- Get a hospitality certification (e.g., ServSafe, CHA).
- Improve your resume with relevant experience.
- Practice interview questions for hotel jobs.
- Apply to multiple positions to increase chances.
Work Visa & Sponsorship for Foreign Applicants
If you’re a foreign applicant looking for hotel jobs in the USA, securing the right work visa is essential. The most common visa options for hospitality jobs include:
- H-2B Visa – For seasonal, non-agricultural work, including hotel housekeeping and food service roles.
- J-1 Visa – For internships and training programs in hospitality, often used by students and recent graduates.
- H-1B Visa – For highly skilled roles, such as hotel management or specialized culinary positions.
Major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. To improve your chances, apply early, ensure you meet the job and visa requirements, and consider working with a recruiter who specializes in hospitality placements.
Read: How to Find Jobs in the USA as an International Worker
Best Cities for Hotel Jobs in the USA
The best hotel job opportunities are in cities with high tourism and business travel. Here are the top locations:
- New York City – Luxury hotels and global tourism create high demand for hospitality workers.
- Las Vegas – Home to world-famous hotels and casinos, offering a variety of hotel jobs.
- Los Angeles – A hub for international travellers, with many high-end hotels and resorts.
- Miami – Known for its beachfront resorts and a strong demand for hospitality workers.
- Chicago – A major business and tourism centre with numerous hotels and event spaces.
- Orlando – Home to theme parks and resorts, creating steady hotel job opportunities.
Hotel jobs in the USA offer a wide range of opportunities across various roles, from entry-level positions like receptionists and housekeepers to high-paying management roles such as hotel managers and executive chefs. Salaries range from $15–$20 per hour for entry-level jobs, with high-paying positions reaching up to $120,000 annually. Many hotels, including major chains like Hilton and Marriott, offer visa sponsorship for foreign applicants. Key cities for hotel jobs include New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami, where tourism and business drive demand. To increase your chances of getting hired, consider gaining relevant certifications, improving your resume, and applying to multiple positions.