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Hosts/Hostesses


Overview

Hosts/Hostesses

Introduction

Hosts and hostesses greet customers, ask them about seating preferences, guide them to their table, and give them menus. They answer phone calls, take reservations, answer questions and make sure that guests are happy with their dining experience. Hosts and hostesses may take payment for guest checks. They are also be known as maitre'ds, restaurant hosts/hostesses, and dining room hosts.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$22,160

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Employment Prospects

Excellent

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma


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Experience

On-the-job training and experience


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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Earnings

Earnings hosts and hostesses vary based on the specific restaurant for which the individual works, its size, prestige, popularity, and geographic location. Other factors affecting earnings include the individual’s responsibilities and experience as well as his or her personality. 

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2018 the median income for hosts and hostesses in restaurants, ...

Work Environment

Hosts and hostesses work in restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail lounges, private clubs, and similar establishments. According to the Web site Snagajob.com, more than 75 percent of hosts and hostesses work part time. Night, weekend, and holiday shifts are required.

Although many restaurants are indoors, some have outdoor facilities. Some restaurants are very noisy, while others are quiet ...

Outlook

Employment of food and beverage serving and related workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This is much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2018, there were 425,600 hosts and hostesses working in restaurants, lounges and coffee shops, and the DOL projects that by 2028 there will be 472,700 workers. Job opportunitie...