Securing an interview with world-class hotels like the Fairmont Olympic Hotel or The Westin Charlotte is a massive milestone and a life-changing opportunity! To help you build rock-solid confidence and land your dream job, KPB has put together the ultimate 5-Step Interview Checklist before you meet your U.S. employer.
KPB takes a closer look at the income potential for Culinary and Hospitality positions based on the latest job opportunities available in 2026.
J-1 Income Breakdown for 2026: More Than Just an Hourly Wage
Competitive Hourly Pay Rates
According to the latest job openings, hourly pay rates at five-star hotels and resorts across the United States are highly attractive. Examples include:
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort in Hawaii offers up to $25.88 per hour.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Washington offers up to $25.48 per hour.
Montage Healdsburg in California offers up to $24.50 per hour.
Andaz Miami Beach Resort & Spa in Florida offers $20.00 per hour.
For example, earning $20 per hour and working 40 hours per week would result in a basic monthly income of approximately $3,200, which is more than THB 100,000.
Additional Income from Tips
One of the main advantages of working in the U.S. hospitality industry is the tipping culture. Customers in the United States commonly leave tips of around 15%–25% of the total bill.
Participants working in Food & Beverage positions, such as Servers or Bartenders, may earn daily tips that are sometimes higher than their hourly wages.
For Culinary positions, although employees may not work directly with customers, many hotels offer a Tip Pool system that distributes tips to back-of-house teams. Some employers also provide incentive bonuses, such as a special bonus after completing 90 days of work.
Overtime Pay at 1.5 Times the Regular Rate
During peak seasons, hotels and resorts can become extremely busy. Participants who work more than 40 hours per week may be eligible for overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate, depending on the position, employer policy, and applicable labor laws.
Joining the program for up to one year provides more than international work experience. Participants can also build professional connections, improve their English skills, and increase their opportunity to save money before returning to Thailand.
Those interested in estimating potential income or selecting a hotel that matches their experience and career goals can contact the KPB USA team for further guidance.
Opportunities are limited! Employer sponsors are currently accepting new applicants.
For information about applying for an EB-3 visa,
please contact our EB-3 department directly via Line OA: @kpb-eb3visa
Follow KPB USA for more updates at
www.kpbusa.com
