Hospitality Employment Trends in Late 2025: A Deep Dive
According to a recent analysis by OysterLink, a platform dedicated to hospitality job listings, the demand for hospitality workers was particularly robust in the final quarter of 2025. The data, compiled from job postings from October to December 2025, revealed that California, Texas, and Florida were at the forefront of this hiring momentum.
State-by-State Breakdown of Job Postings
In the bustling world of hospitality, California topped the charts with a staggering
28,646 job postings. Following closely behind was Texas, with
22,722 openings, while Florida also demonstrated significant demand with
15,363 listings. This trio of states collectively dominated the hospitality recruitment landscape, making up a considerable share of the sector's hiring activity during this time.
| Rank | State | Job Postings |
|---|
| -- | -- | ---- |
| 1 | California | 28,646 |
| 2 | Texas | 22,722 |
| 3 | Florida | 15,363 |
| 4 | Arizona | 5,984 |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,918 |
| 6 | North Carolina | 5,893 |
| 7 | Georgia | 5,587 |
| 8 | Ohio | 5,263 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 5,214 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 5,120 |
The Expanding Markets
While the major states led in raw numbers, mid-sized and rapidly developing states like Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia also saw notable levels of hiring. These states are indicating that the demand for hospitality employees extends beyond the well-trodden coastal tourism hub to more diversified regions.
Although the largest job postings emerged from populous states, smaller regions maintained a steady inflow of vacancies. States such as Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island demonstrated consistent hiring activity, often reflecting seasonal tourism trends and local service needs.
Implications for Workers and Employers
For those looking to enter the hospitality workforce, the latest data suggests that opportunities abound in these high-volume states. California, Texas, and Florida are shaping up to be the hotspots for aspiring hospitality professionals, presenting diverse roles across various sectors including restaurants, bars, and hotels.
However, this landscape introduces a level of competition amongst employers. As Milos Eric, co-founder and general manager of OysterLink states, "Even as hospitality hiring begins to normalize, demand remains highly regional. States with large tourism economies and growing metro areas continue to hire at scale, which means employers still need to compete for workers."
About OysterLink
OysterLink is recognized as a leading job platform for restaurant and hospitality professionals, boasting over
400,000 visitors monthly. The platform not only connects candidates with lucrative positions across various sectors but is also dedicated to providing comprehensive data-driven reports, industry insights, and interview features with hospitality leaders. For more information regarding job postings or analysis, interested parties can visit
www.oysterlink.com.
Conclusion
The data from OysterLink serves as a critical indicator for both job seekers and industry practitioners. As we reflect on the end of 2025, it becomes evident that California, Texas, and Florida will continue to be pivotal in shaping hospitality careers across the country. As hiring patterns evolve, staying informed about regional demands can ensure that both employers and employees thrive in this dynamic landscape.