CAREER SEEKERS
BUILD YOUR CAREER IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
According to the U.S. Travel Association, Americans whose first jobs were in travel went on to earn a maximum average salary of $82,400 by the time they were 50 years old - higher than workers whose first jobs were in manufacturing, health care and most other industries. The travel and hospitality industry is one of the top 10 largest employers of middle-class wage earners in the U.S. Among workers who began their careers in the travel industry, nearly one-third (32%) eventually earned at least a bachelor's degree.
SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT
Each year, millions of tourists from around the world visit Cook County for its beautiful parks and beaches, cultural museums and widely acclaimed restaurants. Represented by businesses primarily engaged with accommodations, food service, entertainment, recreation, and arts and culture, the tourism and hospitality industry is one of the largest economic sectors in Illinois.
(Data Source: World Business Chicago, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development)
38,354
Job Postings
as of Oct. 2023
125,610
Total Jobs In 2023 +3% Projected Job Growth By 2027
$41,217
Average Earnings Per Job Including $5,020 In Benefits
