Associate degree jobs that pay well

No formal education is required to break into a hospitality career, but a two-year degree or certificate in hospitality management combined with working in the field can help you move up the food chain much quicker. Hospitality managers typically start in lower-level, lower-paying positions, then work their way up to manager status.

Once you're there, it's smooth sailing. The BLS reports that food service managers earn a median salary of $46,320 per year, while those who manage hotels and lodging establishments earn $45,800.

Spring adds that the salary range for hospitality managers is wide. His company recently placed a client in a group manager position with the Morton's The Steakhouse chain with a salary of $100,000 per year.

"We're seeing a lot of (job opportunities) with major national brands right now, and a lot of these positions pay very well," he says.