Hospitality and tourism

This sector employs more than 6 million workers nationwide, offering many part-time and seasonal jobs. Work ranges from cooking food in restaurants to marketing travel packages. Eating and drinking establishments employ 84 percent of the people in the hospitality industry. Lodging establishments, amusement parks and other recreation facilities also offer employment opportunities.

Job outlook
Job openings should be abundant for food and beverage service workers because of a high turnover rate and an increasing demand for quick meals. Hotel employment is expected to increase 17 percent by 2014, faster than the average 14 percent rate for all occupations, because of business and leisure travelers’ improving confidence in the economy. The number of jobs available for travel agents is expected to decline through 2014, as more tourists are making their own travel arrangements online.