Hotel Front Desk Clerks
(NOC 6525)
in All Sales and ServiceHotel front desk clerks make room reservations, provide information and services to guests, and receive payment for services. They work for hotels, motels, and resorts.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Hotel Front Desk Clerks most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 35% of Hotel Front Desk Clerks who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $26,113. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$14.25
Median$17.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,812
Minimum$15,605
Median$30,804
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Hotel front desk clerks make room reservations, provide information and services to guests, and receive payment for services. They work for hotels, motels, and resorts.
Job duties
Hotel front desk clerks:
- Maintain an inventory of vacancies, reservations, and room assignments.
- Register arriving guests and assign rooms.
- Answer questions about hotel services and registration by letter, by telephone and in person, provide information about services available in the community and respond to guests' complaints.
- Compile and check daily record sheets, guest accounts, receipts and vouchers using computerized or manual systems.
- Present statements of charges to departing guests and receive payment.
Sample job titles
- guest service representative
- hotel clerk
- hotel concierge
- hotel front desk clerk
- hotel night auditor
- hotel receptionist
- night auditor - hotel
- reception clerk - hotel
- reservations clerk - hotel
Skills
- You should be poised, organized, tactful, and patient. Interpersonal skills and the ability to deal comfortably with strangers are important. You should be resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. Good communication skills are also necessary. Knowledge of both official languages and an additional language may be required.
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent is usually required.
- A two-year apprenticeship program, or a college program in front desk operations or hotel management may be required.
- Guest service trade certification is available, but voluntary, through the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council.
Other considerations
- Many of these jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity in Nova Scotia. Employment levels tend to vary throughout the year and peak in the summer months. Also, general economic conditions will have an effect on the level of business and pleasure travel undertaken by Nova Scotians. Therefore, employment levels will vary from year to year in many of these jobs. Movement to senior positions like accommodations manager is possible with additional training and experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$15,164 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$18,724 median annual incomeCape Breton
$15,148 median annual incomeSouthern
$18,599 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$15,243 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$14,039 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$18,118 median annual incomeBachelor
$14,004 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ALess than high school
$14,740 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Hospitality Administration/Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve as general managers and directors of hospitality operations on a system-wide basis, including both travel arrangements and promotion and the provision of traveller facilities. These include courses in principles of operations in the travel and tourism, hotel and lodging facilities, food services, and recreation facilities industries, hospitality marketing strategies, hospitality planning, management and coordination of franchise and unit operations, business management, accounting and financial management, hospitality transportation and logistics, and hospitality industry policies and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Tourism and Travel Services Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage travel-related enterprises and related convention and/or tour services. They include courses in travel agency management, tour arranging and planning, convention and event planning, travel industry operations and procedures, tourism marketing and promotion strategies, travel counselling, travel industry law, international and domestic operations, and travel and tourism policy.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile