What does a host / hostess do? Hosts and hostesses are the first point of contact for restaurant guests. They manage reservations, greet customers, coordinate seating, and ensure smooth front-of-house operations.. Find host / hostess jobs near you with average pay $12-$18/hr, required skills, and career path.
A host / hostess is responsible for Hosts and hostesses are the first point of contact for restaurant guests. Hosts and hostesses are the first point of contact for restaurant guests. They manage reservations, greet customers, coordinate seating, and ensure smooth front-of-house operations.
As a host / hostess, you can expect to earn between $12 and $18 per hour depending on experience and location. According to BLS OEWS, May 2024, this role is entry-level friendly. It is generally a low job with medium scheduling.
Market rates for a host / hostess range from $12 to $18/hr. A typical host / hostess is responsible for Hosts and hostesses are the first point of contact for restaurant guests. Calculate your exact take-home pay or find current host / hostess openings on Indeed Flex.
To succeed as a Host / Hostess, you'll need a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Here are the most important ones:
Here is a typical career progression for a Host / Hostess:
Want to see more paths? Check out our Career Path Explorer tool.
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Best For: People with strong communication skills who want an entry-level restaurant role without the physical demands of serving.
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Arrive for lunch shift, log in to the reservation system, review the day's bookings and notes
Wipe down menus, check that the host stand is stocked with pens and waitlist sheets
Doors open - greet first guests, seat by server rotation, manage walk-ins
Lunch rush - balance reservations and walk-ins, quote honest wait times
Rush slows - reset the host stand, fold takeout boxes, polish menus
Quiet period - confirm tonight's large parties by phone, prep for dinner shift handoff
Dinner shift starts - re-check reservation book, verify server sections for the night
Hand off to dinner host with notes on VIPs, walk-ins waiting, and any 86'd items
Business casual or all black per venue standard. Polished closed-toe dress shoes, neat hair, minimal accessories, professional appearance.
See how Host / Hostess pay compares across roles and locations
Different roles offer varying pay based on skill requirements and demand.
Pay rates vary by location based on cost of living and local demand.
Everything you need to advance your career.
The information on this page is compiled from the following sources:
We strive to keep all data accurate and up-to-date. Pay rates may vary based on location, experience, and employer.
About this data
Figures on this page are compiled from the public sources cited above and may be out of date. They are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional career, legal, tax, or financial advice. For the most current pay rates, verify with the original source, a qualified professional, or check the Indeed Flex app directly for real-time shift availability and compensation.
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