North Far North Careers

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Retail, Hospitality and Tourism

The Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism industry encompasses a wide range of services, including shopping, food service, lodging, event coordination, and recreational planning. Whether working in a retail store, restaurant, hotel, or tourism site, professionals in this field focus on customer service, satisfaction, and creating memorable experiences. Careers in this industry often require strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills—skills that are highly transferable across many other sectors.

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View data from the:

Region
156,777
2024 Jobs
+5%
2024–2029 Projected Change
17.60/hr.
2024 Avg. Entry Level Wage

Top jobs that Require Community College Credentials

How much will I make per hour?

What can I train for? Job openings per year Entry-level Median Experienced
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 1,275 $19.08 $22.31 $27.15 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 901 $19.43 $23.82 $30.41 View programs
Food Service Managers 325 $21.80 $32.21 $39.73 View programs
Chefs and Head Cooks 229 $23.33 $29.11 $37.20 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services 139 $19.50 $23.51 $30.86 View programs
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 138 $24.07 $31.80 $38.64 View programs
Tour and Travel Guides 115 $17.76 $21.75 $26.63
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 106 $29.18 $38.06 $49.10 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 93 $20.12 $22.44 $29.13 View programs
Interior Designers 56 $23.72 $34.03 $49.93 View programs
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers 47 $31.01 $35.56 $35.67
Lodging Managers 46 $25.73 $34.76 $39.95

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Job openings per year:

1,275

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.08/hr.
  • Median: $22.31/hr.
  • Experienced: $27.15/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Job openings per year:

901

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.43/hr.
  • Median: $23.82/hr.
  • Experienced: $30.41/hr.

View programs

Food Service Managers

Job openings per year:

325

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $21.80/hr.
  • Median: $32.21/hr.
  • Experienced: $39.73/hr.

View programs

Chefs and Head Cooks

Job openings per year:

229

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.33/hr.
  • Median: $29.11/hr.
  • Experienced: $37.20/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services

Job openings per year:

139

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $19.50/hr.
  • Median: $23.51/hr.
  • Experienced: $30.86/hr.

View programs

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Job openings per year:

138

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $24.07/hr.
  • Median: $31.80/hr.
  • Experienced: $38.64/hr.

View programs

Tour and Travel Guides

Job openings per year:

115

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $17.76/hr.
  • Median: $21.75/hr.
  • Experienced: $26.63/hr.

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Job openings per year:

106

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $29.18/hr.
  • Median: $38.06/hr.
  • Experienced: $49.10/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Job openings per year:

93

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $20.12/hr.
  • Median: $22.44/hr.
  • Experienced: $29.13/hr.

View programs

Interior Designers

Job openings per year:

56

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $23.72/hr.
  • Median: $34.03/hr.
  • Experienced: $49.93/hr.

View programs

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

Job openings per year:

47

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $31.01/hr.
  • Median: $35.56/hr.
  • Experienced: $35.67/hr.

Lodging Managers

Job openings per year:

46

How much will I make?

  • Entry-level: $25.73/hr.
  • Median: $34.76/hr.
  • Experienced: $39.95/hr.

Top Employers & Skills

Employers

  • Starbucks
  • Safeway
  • Walmart
  • Macy's
  • Albertsons
  • Marriott International
  • Nugget Markets
  • Panda Express
  • Domino's Pizza
  • Cache Creek Casino Resort
  • CVS Health
  • Taco Bell
  • TJX
  • Target
  • Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Hard Rock International
  • Advantage Solutions
  • Thunder Valley Casino Resort
  • Save Mart Supermarkets
  • Ulta Beauty

Specialized skills

  • Merchandising
  • Restaurant Operation
  • Cash Handling
  • Selling Techniques
  • Food Safety And Sanitation
  • Cash Register
  • Product Knowledge
  • Retail Operations
  • Marketing
  • Food Services

Technology & software skills

  • Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Spreadsheets
  • Inventory Management System
  • Web Browsers
  • Salesforce
  • Property Management Systems
  • Markdown
  • Google Workspace
  • Operating Systems
  • SAS (Software)

Employability skills

  • Customer Service
  • Communication
  • Sales
  • Management
  • Operations
  • Leadership
  • Cleanliness
  • Lifting Ability
  • Detail Oriented
  • Retail Sales

Sources: Lightcast 2025.3; QCEW, non-QCEW, Self-Employed. Compiled by the North/Far North Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research. State Economic Blueprint – California Jobs First, February 2025. https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Blueprint.pdf.

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Sample of reported job titles:

Cafeteria Manager, Dietary Supervisor, Food and Nutrition Services Supervisor, Food Production Supervisor, Food Service Director, Food Service Manager, Food Service Supervisor, Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Perform various financial activities, such as cash handling, deposit preparation, and payroll.
  • Resolve customer complaints regarding food service.
  • Compile and balance cash receipts at the end of the day or shift.
  • Present bills and accept payments.
  • Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Manage food service operations or parts of operations.
  • Balance receipts.
  • Communicate with customers to resolve complaints or ensure satisfaction.
  • Process customer bills or payments.
  • Cut cooked or raw foods.

Work Context:

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 99% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 85% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Physical Proximity – 82% responded “Very close (near touching)”
  • Deal With External Customers – 79% responded “Extremely important”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 71% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Sample of reported job titles:

Bakery Manager, Delicatessen Manager, Department Manager, Department Supervisor, Grocery Manager, Key Carrier, Meat Department Manager, Parts Sales Manager, Shift Manager, Store Manager

Tasks:

  • Provide customer service by greeting and assisting customers and responding to customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking, reconciling cash receipts, or in performing services for customers.
  • Examine merchandise to ensure that it is correctly priced and displayed and that it functions as advertised.
  • Monitor sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods.
  • Instruct staff on how to handle difficult and complicated sales.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Answer customer questions about goods or services.
  • Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
  • Supervise sales or support personnel.
  • Establish operational policies.
  • Examine condition of property or products.

Work Context:

  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 97% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 85% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Telephone – 74% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 78% responded “Extremely important”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 85% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

Sample of reported job titles:

Banquet Manager, Catering Manager, Food and Beverage Director, Food and Beverage Manager, Food Service Director, Food Service Manager, Food Service Supervisor, Kitchen Manager, Restaurant General Manager, Restaurant Manager

Tasks:

  • Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
  • Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
  • Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.
  • Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in an acceptable manner.
  • Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
  • Maintain regulatory or compliance documentation.
  • Maintain operational records.
  • Manage inventories of products or organizational resources.
  • Resolve customer complaints or problems.

Work Context:

  • Contact With Others – 88% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 80% responded “Every day”
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety – 80% responded “Very high responsibility”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 86% responded “Extremely important”
  • Telephone – 69% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Chefs and Head Cooks

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Sample of reported job titles:

Banquet Chef, Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Chef, Cook, Executive Chef (Ex Chef), Executive Sous Chef, Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef

Tasks:

  • Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  • Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
  • Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
  • Check the quantity and quality of received products.
  • Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
  • Check quality of foods or supplies.
  • Coordinate timing of food production activities.
  • Coordinate activities of food service staff.
  • Create new recipes or food presentations.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 90% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 89% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 86% responded “Every day”
  • Time Pressure – 90% responded “Every day”
  • Spend Time Standing – 83% responded “Continually or almost continually”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Caddymaster, Community Life Director, Hair Salon Manager, Hotel Services Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, Salon Manager

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Evaluate employee performance.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations.
  • Resolve customer complaints or problems.
  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
View more information on this job

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

Sample of reported job titles:

Catering Director, Conference Planner, Conference Planning Manager, Conference Services Director, Conference Services Manager, Convention Services Director, Convention Services Manager (CSM), Event Coordinator, Events Manager, Special Events Coordinator

Tasks:

  • Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
  • Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.
  • Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
  • Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs.
  • Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
  • Authorize financial actions.
  • Verify accuracy of records.
  • Organize special events.
  • Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.

Work Context:

  • Telephone – 94% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 93% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 91% responded “Every day”
  • Electronic Mail – 88% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 86% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Provide attraction or event information to patrons.
  • Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  • Clean equipment or supplies.
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Sample of reported job titles:

Adult Family Home Program Manager, Direct Care Supervisor, Resident Care Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Assign work schedules, following work requirements, to ensure quality and timely delivery of service.
  • Observe and evaluate workers’ appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.
  • Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.
  • Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.
  • Recruit and hire staff members.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  • Evaluate employee performance.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Resolve customer complaints or problems.
  • Perform human resources activities.

Work Context:

  • Contact With Others – 97% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 93% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 86% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 83% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 74% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Sample of reported job titles:

Decorating Consultant, Designer, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Design Coordinator, Interior Designer

Tasks:

  • Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
  • Inspect construction work on site to ensure its adherence to the design plans.
  • Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
  • Advise client on interior design factors, such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Plan facility layouts or designs.
  • Coordinate construction or installation activities.
  • Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
  • Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
  • Confer with clients to determine needs.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 100% responded “Every day”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 90% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 85% responded “Every day”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 90% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 62% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers in assigned gambling areas. May circulate among tables, observe operations, and ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May verify and pay off jackpots. May reset slot machines after payoffs and make repairs or adjustments to slot machines or recommend removal of slot machines for repair. May plan and organize activities and services for guests in hotels/casinos.

Sample of reported job titles:

Casino Manager, Casino Shift Manager (CSM), Floor Supervisor, Pit Boss, Pit Supervisor, Slot Floor Person, Slot Shift Manager, Slot Shift Supervisor, Slot Supervisor, Table Games Supervisor

Tasks:

  • Monitor game operations to ensure that house rules are followed, that tribal, state, and federal regulations are adhered to, and that employees provide prompt and courteous service.
  • Observe gamblers’ behavior for signs of cheating, such as marking, switching, or counting cards, and notify security staff of suspected cheating.
  • Perform paperwork required for monetary transactions.
  • Respond to and resolve patrons’ complaints.
  • Greet customers and ask about the quality of service they are receiving.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Monitor operational quality or safety.
  • Communicate with management or other staff to resolve problems.
  • Monitor patron activities to identify problems or potential problems.
  • Maintain financial or account records.
  • Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.

Work Context:

  • Deal With External Customers – 92% responded “Extremely important”
  • Contact With Others – 92% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled – 96% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 80% responded “Extremely important”
  • Electronic Mail – 83% responded “Every day”
View more information on this job

Lodging Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides lodging and other accommodations.

Sample of reported job titles:

Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper, Front Desk Manager, Front Office Director, Front Office Manager, Guest Relations Manager, Guest Services Manager, Hotel Manager, Night Manager, Resort Manager, Rooms Director

Tasks:

  • Answer inquiries pertaining to hotel policies and services, and resolve occupants’ complaints.
  • Participate in financial activities, such as the setting of room rates, the establishment of budgets, and the allocation of funds to departments.
  • Confer and cooperate with other managers to ensure coordination of hotel activities.
  • Greet and register guests.
  • Monitor the revenue activity of the hotel or facility.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • Provide basic information to guests, visitors, or clients.
  • Resolve customer complaints or problems.
  • Manage organizational or project budgets.
  • Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.
  • Monitor flow of cash or other resources.

Work Context:

  • Electronic Mail – 92% responded “Every day”
  • Telephone – 92% responded “Every day”
  • Contact With Others – 89% responded “Constant contact with others”
  • Face-to-Face Discussions – 92% responded “Every day”
  • Work With Work Group or Team – 80% responded “Extremely important”
View more information on this job

The North region encompasses seven counties (El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba).

The Far North region encompasses 15 counties (Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity).

Specialized skills are specific to the occupation, or group of occupations, and represent job-specific competencies.

Technical skills refer to the specific software and technology regularly encountered on the job.

Employability skills (sometimes referred to as “common skills”) are foundational skills that cross occupations and industries. Many common skills, like, communication and team work, are also considered soft skills.