I am saying this off the top of my head as I have no figures for you - however, I doubt if there IS an average. it would depend on the size of the property, duties expected, occupancy, location, etc. So many variables. It would also depend on what the innkeepers expect to receive as a "living wage" for their needs/wants. 2-man operation or staff, yard work or none......
HI! and thank you for your reply. I have kind of looked out there on the Internet and found that you are right - lots of variables can determine the salary. I've seen a median salary of $41,000. But the variables make me wonder if this figure is a total of the living quarters + monetary, or if that is in addition to, or if that is the salary per person ion a team - or the total overall salary for the team. I don't see many job ads that say: "Compensation includes $41,000 + living quarter and utilities." They usually say something like, "Salary + living quarters...." So that leaves me with little to go on, ya know? Thanks anyways.
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ServingSouthernComfort said:
I've seen a median salary of $41,000.
i started up and ran an 8 room b&b 2005-2009 from start to finish when it was put on the market. the place was a neglected and closed 'wreck' when i got there and all it had was the reputation of being a dump to go along with it and potential. if someone had offered me even 1/2 that salary at the time, i'd have stayed on.
my background?
degress in business management, years of office and business management, accounting, supervising staff, etc.
at the b&b, i had to learn it all. attended one innkeeping course and came to the folks at this forum who gave me a wealth of information, suggestions and support. then i jumped in.
i did it
all from obtaining construction permits to hiring contractors, supervising construction, pulling out and disposing of broken toilets, getting rid of rodents and insects, getting licensed, getting an approved sign, building a website, joining associations, finding out how to attract guests, buying groceries, supplies and furnishings, decorating and scrounging for used furnishings to fit out the rooms and common areas, finding and negotiating contracts with vendors. finding (and trying to keep) some housekeeping and lawn mowing help, cleaning rooms including toilets, planning, cooking, serving and cleaning up after breakfasts, marketing, advertising, reservations, dealing with middle of the night guest issues, bargaining with an adult son to live in the place - be my handyman and help out in the middle of the night.
you name it i did it. over and over again.
running an eight room place is like keeping your own little house in pristine condition at all times multiplied by eight and having a continuous stream of houseguests who are rough with the windows, furnishings and appliances. one toilet clogs or the gizmo breaks ... you get it fixed and something comes loose in the next room ... all the time. it's part of the business.
i was exhausted and tied to the place. trial and error. again and again. i made very little money and should have fought for more, much more, but i entered it during a crisis in my life and i did the best i could under the circumstances so i have no regrets. there was a lot i loved about the job - playing hostess and meeting new people all the time. i hear of places that are turn key or looking for a live in innkeeper with a nice bedroom and staff and my eyes glaze over ...
a team of two has to be better than solo. the more 'stuff' already permitted, grandfathered and in place the better.
good luck!
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