Project Bright Future
A hotel front desk staff member smiles while handing a key card or document to a guest at a modern reception area.

Hospitality, Events, Tourism & Cosmetology

Explore what it takes to become a [Job Title] and how this career can brighten your future!

What do those working in Hospitality, Events & Tourism do? 

They help create positive experiences for guests, visitors, and communities. They plan and manage events, welcome and assist travelers, coordinate lodging and dining services, promote destinations, and ensure activities run smoothly and safely. These careers blend customer service, organization, creativity, and teamwork, and can lead to jobs in hotels, restaurants, event planning, tourism offices, attractions, and travel-related businesses.

Why choose a career in Hospitality, Events & Tourism?

It’s a great choice for students who enjoy working with people, being creative, and making memorable experiences. These careers offer variety, hands-on work, opportunities to travel or work in exciting settings, and clear pathways for advancement—often without requiring a four-year degree to get started.

Hospitality, Events, Tourism & Cosmetology

Income

$28,000–$40,000/yr (2024)

Median Income

$34,000/yr (2024)

Anticipated Job/Industry Growth (in percentage)

8% job growth by 2032 (average growth expected.

Education and Training Requirements

High school diploma State-approved training program Apprenticeship program CTE programs or vocational training – provide hands-on experience in customer service, event coordination, and hospitality operations Certifications (optional but helpful) – such as ServSafe for food safety, Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) prep, or tourism/hospitality-specific training On-the-job training or internships – most employers provide training in their systems, procedures, and customer service expectations.

Skills You’ll Need

Customer-service skills, communication & teamwork, problem solving, flexibility, Organization & time-management, ]critical thinking/attention to detail, basic business & technology skills, professionalism

Cosmetology

What does a Cosmetologist do?

Cosmetologists cut, color, and style hair; provide skincare and nail services; and help clients look and feel their best. They consult on trends and products, maintain sanitation standards, and may work in salons, spas, bridal services, media, or retail.

Why choose a career in Cosmetology? 

It blends creativity with customer care and entrepreneurship. Licensure opens doors to flexible schedules, specialized services, and the ability to build a loyal clientele, or even run your own business.

Hair stylist blow-drying and styling a client’s red hair with a round brush inside a salon.

Average starting salary

$31,480 (2024)

Median Income

$36,440 (2022)

Average Hourly Wage

$17.52 (2022)

Anticipated Job/Industry Growth (in percentage)

14% job growth by 2032 (expected to grow faster than average)

Education and Training Requirements

  • High school diploma
  • State-approved training program
    • Apprenticeship program
  • State-licensed barber or cosmetology program (Postsecondary nondegree award)
    • Maryland Department of Labor, State Board of Cosmetology
    • Maryland Department of Labor, State Board of Barbers

Skills You’ll Need

  • Creativity and visualization
  • Customer-service skills
  • Active listening skills
  • Physical stamina
  • Tidiness
  • Time-management skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Manual dexterity
  • Knowledge of personal service and sales/marketing

Note: Most recent data points available reflect employment statistics for Event Planners, Tourism Representatives, Hospitality Workers, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. 

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