Hospitality and Retail
If you enjoy helping people, creating positive experiences, and working in a fast-paced environment, a career in Hospitality and Retail could be for you!
The field has a range of job types, so there is a place for many different skill sets and backgrounds.
Tiger Hotel, Person
Columbia Mall, Person
The Tiger Hotel and Columbia Mall highlight the many opportunities available in Hospitality and Retail. From guest services and food service to sales and management, these careers focus on creating positive customer experiences while building valuable workplace and leadership skills.
COMING SOON:
HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL VIDEO
Career Progression*
With the right mix of training, certifications, and commitment, you have the potential to grow from
entry-level roles to leadership in your home and property services career.
STARTING YOUR CAREER
Many Home and Property Services careers require little or no prior experience to begin. Through on-the-job training, certifications, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience, you can develop valuable skills and advance into specialized trades or management roles.
Salary range:
$29,000-$50,000
Possible Job Positions:
Housekeeper
Janitor / Custodian
Groundskeeper
Landscaping Crew Member
Lawn Care Technician
Junk Removal Technician
Pressure Washing Technician
Pest Control Technician
Restoration Technician
Maintenance Assistant
HVAC Helper / Apprentice
Plumbing Apprentice
Electrical Apprentice
ADVANCING IN YOUR CAREER
Earn industry certifications, complete an apprenticeship, obtain a trade license, or develop specialized skills in maintenance, repair, landscaping, restoration, or property operations.
Salary range:
$50,000-$85,000
Possible Job Positions:
Maintenance Technician
Facilities Technician
HVAC Technician
Plumber
Electrician
Appliance Repair Technician
Handyman
Painter
Property Maintenance Technician
Arborist / Tree Care Specialist
Pest Control Specialist
Restoration Specialist
Security Officer
Property Inspector
LEADING IN YOUR CAREER
Demonstrate leadership by managing properties, supervising teams, overseeing projects, ensuring quality service, and mentoring employees. Many professionals advance into management positions or start their own service businesses.
Salary range:
$75,000-$125,000
Possible Job Positions:
Property Manager
Maintenance Supervisor
Facilities Manager
Landscape Operations Manager
Restoration Project Manager
Security Operations Manager
Master Electrician
Master Plumber
HVAC Service Manager
Remodeling Project Manager
Property Operations Director
Service Business Owner
General Contractor
Regional Property Manager
*Data Sources: Salary and progression information is based on input from HR staff at Columbia businesses, statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and local job market listings found on Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
What You Need to Succeed
Frequently asked questions about how to excel in a home and property services career
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Yes! Many Home and Property Services careers offer entry-level positions that require little or no previous experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training, allowing you to learn valuable skills while earning a paycheck.
You can start in roles such as housekeeping, janitorial services, lawn care, landscaping, junk removal, restoration, maintenance assistance, or pressure washing. As you gain experience, you may choose to earn certifications, complete an apprenticeship, or pursue specialized training in areas such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, pest control, or property management.
Success in this field often depends more on reliability, a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn than on previous experience. Many business owners, supervisors, and skilled trades professionals started in entry-level positions and worked their way up through hands-on experience and training.
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Education requirements vary depending on the career you choose. Many entry-level positions in Home and Property Services require only a high school diploma or GED—or sometimes no formal education requirement at all.
For careers such as housekeeping, janitorial services, lawn care, landscaping, junk removal, and maintenance assistance, employers typically provide on-the-job training. More specialized careers, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, pest control, and property management, may require certifications, licenses, apprenticeships, or technical training programs.
The good news is that many of these credentials can be earned in months rather than years, allowing you to start working and earning income while continuing to build your skills. Some employers even pay for training or apprenticeship programs as you advance in your career.
Whether you enter the workforce immediately or pursue additional training, there are multiple pathways to success in the Home and Property Services industry.
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Most Home and Property Services employers hire quickly, but there are a few factors that can delay the hiring process.
Some employers may require a background check, driving record review, or drug screening before employment begins. Positions that involve driving company vehicles, entering customers' homes, handling keys, working around security systems, or managing rental properties often have additional screening requirements.
For certain careers, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, pest control, security services, or property management, employers may require certifications, licenses, or enrollment in an apprenticeship program before you can perform specific job duties independently.
Transportation can also be a factor. Many positions require reliable transportation to travel between job sites or respond to service calls. In some cases, employers may require a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
Being prepared with proper identification, responding promptly to employer communications, and completing any required screenings or paperwork can help speed up the hiring process.
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Requirements vary by employer and position, but certain factors may limit employment opportunities in some Home and Property Services careers.
Many employers look for applicants who are dependable, able to work safely, and willing to learn. A history of excessive absenteeism, poor job performance, or difficulty following safety procedures may make it harder to secure employment.
Some positions require a valid driver's license and reliable transportation, especially when employees travel between job sites or operate company vehicles. For jobs involving access to homes, businesses, rental properties, security services, or financial responsibilities, employers may conduct background checks. Certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility for some positions, though many employers consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Some roles also have physical requirements, such as lifting, climbing ladders, working outdoors in various weather conditions, or standing for extended periods.
If you are unsure whether a particular requirement could affect your employment opportunities, talk with the employer directly. Many companies are willing to consider applicants who demonstrate reliability, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Your Path to
Getting Started
Click a path number for more information.
Discover which career in home and property services might be a good fit for you. Click to read an article: landscaping, routine maintenance, cleaning and property upkeep, property management or security!
View Local Employers — We recommend applying on company sites instead of sites such as Indeed.com
Apprenticeships, Certificates, and Colleges/Technical Schools that could be helpful for career progression
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