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General Manager, Hotel Manager, Motel Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $25.62 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $28.76 |
| Top | $31.79 |
Interest in co-ordinating information to manage the operation of accommodation establishments or departments within such establishments, to implement policies and procedures, to supervise staff and to oversee staff training
Interest in setting work schedules and in monitoring revenues and expenses
Interest in negotiating with suppliers for the provision of materials and supplies, and with clients for the use of facilities for conventions, banquets, receptions and other functions
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Accommodation managers are responsible for operating their establishments efficiently and economically, satisfying guests and handling any problems that arise.
In smaller establishments, accommodation managers may have a limited staff and personally direct all aspects of the operation. Managers of small motels or hostels, for example, may perform front desk clerk duties as well managerial duties (for more information, see the Hotel and Motel Desk Clerk occupation profile).
In larger establishments such as luxury hotels, general managers may have several assistant managers or department heads. The general manager's responsibilities might include:
Department heads under the general manager would be responsible for day-to-day operations such as:
Working conditions for accommodation managers are as varied as the establishments they operate. Most establishments are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and managers may work long, irregular hours in addition to always being on call for emergencies. Some managers live in their establishments and are constantly involved with operations. The work is sometimes hectic and stressful.
Accommodation managers need:
Accommodation managers should enjoy being in charge, taking a methodical approach to their work, and negotiating with people.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 23 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 27, 2020 and Jun 14, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Address customers' complaints or concerns | 23 |
|---|---|
| Assist clients/guests with special needs | 20 |
| Establish work schedules | 19 |
| Develop and implement policies and procedures for daily operations | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 19 |
| Supervise staff | 18 |
| Arrange for and oversee maintenance activities | 16 |
| Perform front desk duties | 15 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 15 |
| Prepare budgets and monitor revenues and expenses | 14 |
Accommodation managers should be familiar with all areas of their establishment's operations. In particular, they need sound financial management skills and a working knowledge of hospitality law and safety standards. Other requirements vary depending on the type of accommodation.
Managers of smaller commercial establishments such as motels, trailer parks and campgrounds may be entrepreneurs who have some hospitality-related work experience. Managers of specialized camps, such as those for people with disabilities may be required to have related post-secondary education and training.
The best background for hotel and motel managers is a combination of experience and education in hospitality management. It is still possible to work your way up from the bottom in hotel management by supplementing on-the-job training with continuing education. Some large hotels sponsor their own on-the-job management training programs. However, most employers look for job applicants who already have related post-secondary education such as a business degree or a 2-year diploma in hospitality management.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, or CTHRC) offers emerit voluntary certification through the emerit website for hotel general managers. The Hotel General Manager certification leads to the Certified Hotel General Manager (CHGM) designation, which is recognized across Canada and requires recertification every 3 years.
Another optional designation is Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA). It is offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is recognized worldwide. Recertification is required every 5 years.
Unless they already have considerable work experience in the field, new graduates of hospitality education programs usually start in junior positions such as hotel desk clerk.
Years of experience and in-house training are generally required to advance to hotel management positions. A typical advancement path in a large hotel might be desk clerk, front office manager, rooms division manager, executive assistant manager and, finally, general manager. However, someone promoted to general manager from the rooms division would require food and beverage experience or they would require a knowledgeable food and beverage manager to assist them. Managers employed by chain hotels or motels may be transferred from one location to another as they are promoted.
Accommodation managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0632: Accommodation service managers. In Alberta, 81% of people employed in this classification work in the Accommodation and Food Services [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 0632: Accommodation service managers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 153 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for accommodation managers vary widely depending on the size and nature of the establishment and the manager's responsibilities and qualifications.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $40.87 | $25.62 | $24.04 |
| Overall | $17.30 | $46.88 | $28.76 | $26.92 |
| Top | $17.31 | $54.61 | $31.79 | $30.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $80,414 |
|---|---|
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $79,565 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $58,443 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $57,029 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $56,140 |
Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association website: www.ahla.ca
American Hotel and Lodging Association website: www.ahla.com
Americal Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute website: www.ahlei.org
emerit website: emerit.ca
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 14, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.