Hostess Jobs in New York City, NY

Looking for hostess jobs New York City or hostess jobs near me in the Big Apple? NYC’s bustling dining scene—from Lower East Side delis to luxury Midtown restaurants—offers abundant opportunities for entry-level hospitality roles.

OysterLink currently lists over [number_of_jobs] Hostess positions across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, including part-time shifts and full-time roles in venues ranging from casual eateries to upscale hospitality venues.

How to Apply for Hostess Jobs in NYC

Step 1: Tailor Your Resume for Front‑of‑House Roles

Even with little experience, you can impress employers by creating a polished, one-page resume. Highlight customer-service roles (retail, food delivery, internships), language skills (Spanish, Mandarin, etc.), availability (weekends, evenings), and any hospitality certifications. Use action-oriented descriptions like "Welcomed 50+ guests daily" or "Managed reservations and greeting at university event." Adapt each application by placing venue-specific details—show employers you're genuinely interested in their brand.

Step 2: Search Strategically

OysterLink offers a robust listing of hostess job openings in New York City. Look for terms like “entry-level hostess,” “NYC restaurant hostess,” or “part-time hostess” to target gigs that fit your needs. Narrow results by borough, cuisine, or venue type (casual, fine-dining, hotel). Make a shortlist of 10–15 venues you’re excited about.

Step 3: Apply Online and In-Person

Apply through OysterLink links provided. Follow instructions carefully—upload your resume, mention availability and language skills, and answer screening questions thoroughly. For additional effort, visit restaurants during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) with printed resumes in hand. Introduce yourself politely, say why you’re interested, and ask if they’re currently hiring hostesses.

Step 4: Nail the Interview

Expect a short in-person or phone interview. Venue owners ask questions like:

When are you available? (weekends, nights)
Describe how you’d manage a waitlist during rush.
Have you used reservation systems like OpenTable or Resy?

Smile, maintain eye contact, and highlight any relevant experience—even from non-restaurant jobs. Demonstrate patience, organization, and hospitality under pressure. Some upscale venues may test your reservation skills on-site, so be familiar with key functions. State your passion for people and ability to multitask.

Step 5: Complete Onboarding and Training

Once hired, you might need to obtain certifications (covered below). Expect training that could include:

POS system operation (e.g., OpenTable)
Waitlist and reservation workflow
Table assignments and greeting protocols
Emergency procedures and restaurant layout walk-through

Many places also cross-train hostesses with bussers and food runners to build teamwork.

Step 6: Follow Up and Stay Available

After interviews, send brief thank-you messages via email or OysterLink chat to express appreciation and enthusiasm. Restaurants frequently revisit prior candidates as schedules shift or new openings emerge.

Top NYC Neighborhoods Hiring Hostesses

Manhattan

Midtown (Times Square, Bryant Park): High-volume dining; fast-paced hostess work with tourists and office clients.
Chelsea, Meatpacking District, Lower East Side: Trendy bars and lounges often hire hostesses for evening and weekend shifts.
Upper East/West Side: Upscale family restaurants and local favorites frequently list hostess positions.

Brooklyn

Williamsburg & Greenpoint: Trendy cafés and breweries; roles tend to have casual, creative atmospheres.
DUMBO: Fine dining with iconic waterfront views—higher-end hostess opportunities.

Queens

Astoria, Long Island City: Diverse dining cultures; smaller venues and family-friendly eateries that value bilingual hostesses.

The Bronx & Staten Island

Bronx Little Italy, South Bronx Social Districts: Family-run establishments and taverns hire local hostesses.
Staten Island’s North Shore: Beach-adjacent venues often recruit hostesses during tourist seasons.

Hostess Salary in New York City

Data from BLS

The national average for Hosts and Hostesses (including coffee shops and lounges) is a median wage of $14.78/hr ($30,750/year); top metropolitan areas average around $18.81/hr ($39,120/year) in NYC’s metro region (mean annual wage 2023–24).

OysterLink NYC Salary Insight

OysterLink’s spotlight report indicates:

Average base wage: $18.81/hr
Annual salary: ~ $39,120
Historic percentiles: 10th = $12.10/hr, median = $17.60, 75th = $20.85, 90th = $23.50
Tips: Roles in high-end venues report up to $600/month in tips. This translates to approximately 27% premium over national average wages.

What Impacts Pay

Venue type: Fine-dining and hotels pay more than casual eateries.
Experience & bilingual skills: Trilingual hostesses with digital tools expertise command higher wages.
Shift times: Evening and weekend shifts often pay premium rates.
Tips and shared gratuities: Some restaurants include hostesses in tip pools or provide service charges.

Legal Requirements & Certifications

Food Handler Certification

Though hostesses primarily greet and seat guests, many NYC establishments require a Food Protection Certificate in line with the NYC Health Code. This 15-hour course and exam costs between $24–$114 depending on format (online or in-person) and is required for supervisors overseeing food prep/hospitality areas.

Age & Work Permits

Federal law allows employment at age 14 with restrictions—most NYC hostess positions require at least 16. Some employers request working papers for minors, although few NYC cases involve individuals under 18.

Minimum Wage & Overtime

NYC minimum wage: $17.00/hour as of 2025
New York State minimum wage: $16.20/hour as of 2025
Employers must pay whichever is higher. Overtime (1.5× rate) applies beyond 40 hours/week and after 8 hours/day. Employees are also entitled to 10-minute breaks every 4 hours and at least a 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 hours. Violations may result in penalties under NYC’s errand pay law.

Break, Sick Day, and Scheduling Protections

NYC’s Fair Workweek law mandates chain restaurants post schedules 14 days in advance and provide 72-hour cancellation notice. Employers must offer accrued paid sick leave (40 hours/year) under city and state laws.

Anti-Discrimination Protections

NYC Enacted protections for gender identity, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, and more. Workers can file claims with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

Hostess Responsibilities in NYC Restaurants

Here are the key tasks you’ll be expected to perform:

Warmly Greet and Seat Guests

Stand at the entrance, offer a warm smile, check reservation lists, and seat guests at suitable tables. In fine-dining venues, escorting guests and explaining service flow may be part of your role.

Manage Reservations and Waitlists

Use digital tools to log upcoming reservations and monitor wait times. Call out party names clearly and manage guest expectations during busy periods.

Coordinate Front-of-House Flow

Communicate table availability with servers and support staff. Keep logs updated to ensure even distribution and efficient turnover rates.

Answer Guest Questions Over the Phone

Provide directions, share menu details, assist with reservations, and manage cancellations professionally.

Maintain a Clean and Welcoming Entry Area

Keep the host station tidy, update menus and promotional signs, and oversee the ambiance of the reception area.

Support Bussers and Servers During Rush

Help buss tables, refill beverages, restock napkins or silverware, and assist staff wherever needed to maintain flow.

Uphold Safety Standards

Be familiar with fire exits and ADA regulations. Lead evacuation calmly when emergencies arise.

Enhance Guest Experience

Upsell specials, promote upcoming events, and foster a welcoming environment—creating memorable first impressions.

Why Work as a Hostess in New York City?

A Front Seat to NYC’s Epicurean Culture

Hosting offers more than just seating tables—you become part of NYC’s dynamic food culture. Whether you're guiding guests at Michelin-starred spots in Midtown or greeting diners at family-owned eateries in Astoria, you'll immerse yourself in the world of hospitality. Working as a NYC hostess is a daily interaction with diverse patrons and industry professionals.

Excellent Entry-Level Access and Flexibility

Hostess roles offer flexible shifts—ideal for students, parents, or side-job seekers. Many NYC hostesses report working part-time evenings and weekends. This role is also a launchpad to higher-level hospitality positions like assistant manager, maître d’, or event host. Career growth in NYC is fast-paced for attentive, reliable staff.

Strong Networking and Skill Development

You’ll build rapport with restaurant managers, servers, and even chefs—opening doors for future hospitality opportunities. You'll learn reservation systems, seating logistics, and conflict resolution in real time. These skills are high-value in NYC’s customer-centric job market.

Final Steps – Start Your NYC Hostess Journey!

Your path is clear. To begin:

Assemble a clean and tailored resume and cover letter.
Search OysterLink for NYC hostess job openings.
Apply both online and in person to stand out.
Prepare for interviews by practicing key questions and presentation.
Complete any required certifications, including NYC’s Food Protection Certificate.
Follow up, stay engaged, and maintain availability.

New York City’s hospitality scene is dynamic, rewarding, and full of growth potential. Hostess roles in NYC provide flexibility, networking, and a pathway to higher hospitality roles. With friendly professionalism and persistence, you’re well on your way.

Host/Hostess - Lobels Rock Center

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