Hospitality Certificate
Hospitality work in United States
United States, North America

Working in hospitality in United States

In the US, most rules for hospitality jobs are set by each state, not nationally. This guide covers the federal rules that apply everywhere, and the two largest hospitality states, California and Texas. Every legal point links to the official source.

Sources last checked 2026-10-01. Rules change, so confirm with the linked official page before you rely on it.

Can you work there?

  • Foreign students: J-1 Summer Work Travel

    Required by law

    Students enrolled in a university outside the US, with at least one completed semester and enough English to work in an English-speaking environment, can work a seasonal job for up to four months during their summer break. Positions that require working between 10 pm and 6 am are not allowed, which rules out many late bar shifts.

  • Seasonal workers: H-2B visa through an employer

    Required by law

    A US employer can hire foreign workers for seasonal or peak-season non-farm jobs, such as hotels and resorts, through the H-2B visa. The employer files the petition, not you. The number of visas is capped at 66,000 a year, split into two halves, and the cap is often reached early.

Hotel receptionist in United States

We found no licence for hotel receptionists in the US. Clear spoken English, customer service and experience with hotel software are what employers screen for.

Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate

This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.

Waiter / waitress in United States

Food handler rules depend on the state. Most servers are paid a lower cash wage plus tips. Other states and cities set their own food handler rules, and some have none. Ask your employer, or check the health department of the state or county where you will work.

  • California: food handler card within 30 days

    Required by law

    If you handle unpackaged food in California, state law requires a food handler card within 30 days of being hired. It must come from an ANSI-accredited training provider, requires passing a test, and is valid for three years even if you change employer.

  • Texas: accredited food handler course within 30 days

    Required by law

    In Texas, every food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work. The course must be accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services or by ANSI.

  • Tipped minimum wage

    Required by law

    Under federal law, an employer may pay tipped staff a cash wage of $2.13 an hour, as long as tips bring the total to at least the $7.25 federal minimum wage. Many states set higher minimums, and some do not allow a lower tipped wage at all.

Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate

This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.

Bartender in United States

Alcohol and food rules are set by each state. California requires alcohol server training by law.

  • California: Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification

    Required by law

    Anyone who serves alcohol on-premises in California, in bars, restaurants, hotels and similar venues, must be RBS certified within 60 days of starting work. You take training with an approved provider, then pass the state exam within 30 days. The certification is valid for three years.

  • California: food handler card within 30 days

    Required by law

    If you handle unpackaged food in California, state law requires a food handler card within 30 days of being hired. It must come from an ANSI-accredited training provider, requires passing a test, and is valid for three years even if you change employer.

  • Texas: accredited food handler course within 30 days

    Required by law

    In Texas, every food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work. The course must be accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services or by ANSI.

Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate

This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.

Housekeeping / room attendant in United States

We found no licence for hotel housekeeping staff in the US. Employers look for reliability, speed to room standards, and basic English for guest contact.

Stand out with a verifiable skills certificate

This is a skills certificate, not a government licence. It does not replace any legal requirement above.

Your CV for United States

  • Use a US-style resume

    Common practice

    US employers expect a one-page resume without a photo, date of birth or marital status. Start with a short summary, then experience with the most recent job first, and list the type of property (for example: 4-star resort, 300 rooms).

  • State your work authorization

    Common practice

    If you are applying from abroad, say which program you are using (J-1 Summer Work Travel or H-2B) and your available dates near the top. Recruiters filter out applications where they cannot tell whether you are allowed to work.

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