When immigrants move to Europe, finding employment in the hospitality industry is often one of the most accessible options. The sector is diverse, offers numerous entry-level positions, and is constantly in need of workers, especially in tourist-heavy cities and regions. Many of these jobs require little to no previous experience or advanced language skills, making them ideal for newcomers still acclimating to their new environment.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the easiest hospitality jobs for immigrants, providing an idea of their responsibilities and the average salaries one might expect.
1. Housekeeping/Room Attendant
- Description: This role involves cleaning guest rooms, changing linens, and maintaining public spaces in hotels or hostels.
- Why it’s accessible: Minimal guest interaction makes this a suitable job for those with limited language proficiency.
- Average Salary: €1,500 to €2,200 per month.
2. Kitchen Assistant/Dishwasher
- Description: Kitchen assistants help with food preparation, clean kitchen areas, and wash dishes.
- Why it’s accessible: With limited customer interaction and simple tasks, this role doesn’t require advanced language skills or experience.
- Average Salary: €1,300 to €2,000 per month.
3. Waitstaff/Server
- Description: Waitstaff take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure guests have a pleasant dining experience.
- Why it’s accessible: In tourist areas, basic English can be enough to get started, and many restaurants provide on-the-job training.
- Average Salary: €1,600 to €2,500 per month, with tips often making up a significant part of the income.
4. Barista
- Description: Baristas prepare and serve coffee and other beverages in cafes or coffee shops.
- Why it’s accessible: Many urban areas offer barista positions, and basic communication skills are usually sufficient.
- Average Salary: €1,400 to €2,200 per month.
5. Hotel Porter/Bellboy
- Description: Porters assist guests with luggage and offer general support within hotels.
- Why it’s accessible: Basic English or the local language is usually enough, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
- Average Salary: €1,500 to €2,300 per month.
6. Busser (Restaurant Assistant)
- Description: This role involves clearing tables, resetting them, and assisting the waitstaff.
- Why it’s accessible: This is a low-pressure entry-level position with minimal language requirements.
- Average Salary: €1,300 to €2,000 per month.
7. Receptionist (in Hostels)
- Description: Receptionists check guests in and out, answer inquiries, and handle basic administrative tasks.
- Why it’s accessible: Hostels often cater to international travelers, and basic English is usually sufficient.
- Average Salary: €1,600 to €2,400 per month.
8. Event Setup Crew
- Description: Setting up chairs, tables, and equipment for events like weddings or conferences.
- Why it’s accessible: This job requires physical work but little guest interaction.
- Average Salary: €1,500 to €2,200 per month.
9. Concierge (Tourist Areas)
- Description: Concierges provide information and services to guests, often focused on local attractions.
- Why it’s accessible: In tourist-heavy areas, English is often the dominant language, reducing the need for fluency in the local language.
- Average Salary: €1,700 to €2,500 per month.
10. Bartender (Tourist Bars)
- Description: Bartenders serve drinks and often interact with international customers.
- Why it’s accessible: Many bars, especially in tourist hubs, are more concerned with English skills than the local language.
- Average Salary: €1,600 to €2,400 per month, with tips significantly boosting earnings.
Final Thoughts
For immigrants moving to Europe, hospitality jobs offer a practical way to enter the job market quickly. These roles typically come with on-the-job training and do not require extensive qualifications. Salaries in the sector vary based on location and the establishment but generally provide a decent starting point while allowing newcomers to build language skills and gain experience. Over time, immigrants can transition to more advanced roles within the hospitality industry or other fields.
