The holiday season is a bustling time in the hospitality industry, with many businesses seeking extra hands to manage the increased customer flow. If you’re looking for a seasonal gig that pays well, consider these top-paying hospitality jobs available in November and December. Each role not only offers competitive pay but also valuable experience that could lead to full-time opportunities.

Table of Contents

1. Event Coordinator
2. Hotel Front Desk Manager
3. Restaurant Server
4. Retail Sales Associate
5. Concierge
6. Bartender
7. Housekeeping Supervisor
8. Catering Assistant

1. Event Coordinator

Job Description:

Event coordinators plan and execute holiday parties, corporate gatherings, and weddings during the peak season.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate logistics for events, including venue selection, catering, and entertainment.
• Manage budgets and negotiate with vendors.
• Ensure all details are executed as planned on the event day.

Salary Range:

$25-$40 per hour

Experience Needed:

1-3 years in event planning or hospitality management.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Event Manager, Catering Director, Venue Manager.

2. Hotel Front Desk Manager

Job Description:

Front desk managers oversee hotel operations and staff at the reception area, ensuring guests receive excellent service during peak travel seasons.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supervise front desk staff and manage guest check-ins/outs.
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints.
• Coordinate room assignments and manage reservations.

Salary Range:

$20-$30 per hour

Experience Needed:

2-5 years in hotel operations, preferably with supervisory experience.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Hotel General Manager, Operations Manager.

Related: Surviving the Holiday Season as a Hospitality Worker

3. Restaurant Server

Job Description:

Servers provide attentive service to guests, taking orders, serving food, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience, especially in busy holiday restaurants.

Job Responsibilities:

• Take orders and deliver food and beverages.
• Provide recommendations and address customer concerns.
• Process payments and maintain cleanliness of the dining area.

Salary Range:

$15-$25 per hour (including tips)

Experience Needed:

No prior experience required, but previous serving experience is preferred.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Restaurant Manager, Catering Coordinator, Food and Beverage Director.

4. Retail Sales Associate

Job Description:

Retail sales associates assist customers during the busy holiday shopping season, often in gift shops, department stores, or specialty boutiques.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist customers with product selections and provide information.
• Process transactions and handle cash register duties.
• Maintain store organization and visual merchandising.

Salary Range:

$15-$20 per hour

Experience Needed:

Entry-level; customer service experience is a plus.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Store Manager, Retail Buyer, Visual Merchandiser.

5. Concierge

Job Description:

Concierges provide guests with information and services to enhance their stay, from booking reservations to suggesting local attractions during the festive season.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist guests with bookings for restaurants, tours, and events.
• Provide recommendations for local attractions and activities.
• Address guest inquiries and resolve issues promptly.

Salary Range:

$18-$30 per hour

Experience Needed:

1-3 years in hospitality or customer service.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Head Concierge, Guest Services Manager, Hospitality Consultant.

Related: Working the holidays: Finding the ho ho ho in the busiest season

6. Bartender

Job Description:

Bartenders prepare and serve drinks in restaurants, bars, and hotels, with increased demand during holiday parties and gatherings.

Job Responsibilities:

• Mix and serve drinks according to recipes.
• Manage bar inventory and stock supplies.
• Provide excellent customer service and engage with guests.

Salary Range:

$15-$25 per hour (including tips)

Experience Needed:

Prior bartending experience preferred; certification may be required in some areas.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Bar Manager, Beverage Director, Restaurant Owner.

7. Housekeeping Supervisor

Job Description:

Housekeeping supervisors oversee cleaning staff to maintain high standards of cleanliness in hotels and resorts during busy periods.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage housekeeping staff and assign tasks.
• Inspect rooms and public areas for cleanliness and maintenance issues.
• Train new employees and ensure compliance with health standards.

Salary Range:

$18-$25 per hour

Experience Needed:

2-4 years in housekeeping or hospitality management.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Housekeeping Manager, Operations Manager.

8. Catering Assistant

Job Description:

Catering assistants help with food preparation and service during events, often hired for large holiday parties or corporate events.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist with food setup and serving.
• Ensure cleanliness of catering areas and equipment.
• Support the catering manager with logistics and service.

Salary Range:

$15-$20 per hour

Experience Needed:

No formal experience required, but hospitality experience is beneficial.

Potential Full-Time Careers:

Catering Manager, Event Planner, Food Service Director.

The holiday season presents a wealth of opportunities in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re looking for a temporary position to earn some extra cash or seeking a gateway to a full-time career, these seasonal roles can provide valuable experience and connections in this vibrant field.