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Host/Hostess Jobs in NYC — July 2024 Job Listings

We've compiled a list of the top 10 Host/Hostess jobs in NYC in preparation for the upcoming launch of the OysterLink Jobs platform.
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Top 10 Host/Hostess Jobs in New York City

Whether you’re looking to start your restaurant industry career as a Host/Hostess or you’re already an experienced one, New York City is the place to be. Here’s an overview of the top 10 Host/Hostess positions available in NYC.

1. Masa | $22–$25 per hour

Masa logo

[Source: Masa]

  • Position: Host/Server
  • About: Masa is a high-end sushi restaurant founded by Masa Takayama. It offers an exquisite and authentic Japanese dining experience.
  • Requirements: At least two years of experience as a Restaurant Host; at least two years of experience as a Restaurant Server; knowledge of New York Department of Health standards and protocols; fluency in English
  • Job type: Full-time, part-time
  • Salary: $45,760–$52,000 a year
  • Benefits: Paid training, health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k), paid time off, employee discount, free meals, paid sick time
  • Where to apply: Send your CV to Masa’s HR Director, Mazin Ahwal, at [email protected]

2. Figaro | From $20 per hour

Figaro NYC logo

[Source: Figaro]

  • Position: Host/Hostess
  • About: Figaro is a dining establishment in Greenwich Village that serves contemporary American cuisine. It is the successor to the famous Le Figaro Café, which opened in 1957.
  • Requirements: Excellent people and communication skills; previous experience working in an upscale casual restaurant (preferred)
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: From $41,600 a year
  • Benefits: Employee discount, flexible schedule
  • Where to apply: Visit Figaro’s career page

3. Upland | $19–$21 per hour

Upland logo

[Source: Upland]

  • Position: Host/Hostess
  • About: Upland is a popular restaurant that takes inspiration from California’s seasonal culinary philosophy. It is part of the STARR Restaurants family.
  • Requirements: Availability to work afternoons, nights and weekends; minimum of one year of Host experience in a well-rated restaurant;
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: $39,520–$43,680 a year
  • Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance, commuter assistance, paid time off, referral program, dining discounts
  • Where to apply: Visit STARR Restaurants’ career page

Are Host/Hostess salaries keeping up with living costs in your area?

4. Nusr-Et | $20 per hour

nusr-et logo

[Source: Nusr-Et]

  • Position: Restaurant Host/Hostess
  • About: Nusr-Et is a popular steakhouse chain founded by Nusret Gökçe, a.k.a. “Salt Bae.” It offers high-quality meats and a theatrical dining experience.
  • Requirements: High school diploma; strong communication skills; ability to work well under pressure; fluency in English
  • Job type: Part-time
  • Salary: From $20,800 a year
  • Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off
  • Where to apply: Visit Nusr-Et’s career page

5. The Stand Comedy Club & Restaurant | $20–$22 per hour

The Stand logo

[Source: The Stand]

  • Position: Host
  • About: The Stand Comedy Club & Restaurant is a popular entertainment venue that offers top-notch comedy shows and quality dining experiences.
  • Requirements: Ability to operate OpenTable or similar reservation platforms; proficiency in public speaking; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strong organizational and time management skills
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: $41,600–$45,760 a year
  • Benefits: Employee discount, flexible schedule
  • Where to apply: Visit The Stand’s career page

6. Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s | $21–$23 per hour

Fouquet's New York logo

[Source: Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s]

  • Position: Host/Hostess
  • About: Fouquet’s New York is a luxury hotel, part of the Barrière Group. Located i Tribeca, this hotel combines French luxury with New York chic.
  • Requirements: Availability to work in shifts as needed; experience in managing reservations; familiarity with health and safety regulations; understanding of restaurant etiquette; previous work experience as a Host/Hostess or Waiter/Waitress (preferred)
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: $43,680–$47,840 a year
  • Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance, disability insurance, paid time off
  • Where to apply: Visit the Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s career page

7. Estiatorio Milos | $19.14–$23.06 per hour

Estiatorio Milos logo

[Source: Estiatorio Milos]

  • Position: Host/Hostess
  • About: Estiatorio Milos is an upscale Greek seafood restaurant founded by the acclaimed Chef, Costas Spiliadis.
  • Requirements: Familiarity with POS systems, preferably Aloha POS; excellent communication and customer service skills; previous experience in a hospitality or customer service role (preferred)
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: $39,811–$47,965 a year
  • Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Where to apply: Visit Estiatorio Milos’ career page

8. Lagos Restaurant & Lounge | From $20 per hour

Lagos logo

[Source: Lagos]

  • Position: Host/Hostess
  • About: Lagos is a West African fusion restaurant that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria.
  • Requirements: Experience with Resy/OpenTable/Tripleseat; POS system experience; ability to stand for an extended periods of time; ability to work a flexible schedule, including daytime, evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Salary: From $41,600 a year
  • Benefits: Employee discount
  • Where to apply: Visit Lagos’ career page

9. Le Pavillon | $18–$22 per hour

Le Pavillion logo

[Source: Le Pavillon]

  • Position: Host
  • About: Le Pavillon is a fine-dining French restaurant located in One Vanderbilt building. It is owned by Daniel Boulud, a highly acclaimed French Chef.
  • Requirements: At least one year of experience in guest relations or related position in a fine-dining restaurant; understanding of NYC restaurant arrival and reservation process; fluent ability to operate Resy; previous multi-phone line experience; morning, evening, holiday and weekend availability
  • Job type: Full-time, part-time
  • Salary: $37,440–$45,760 a year
  • Benefits: Health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid time off
  • Where to apply: Visit Le Pavillon’s career page

10. Sadelle’s | $18–$20 per hour

Sadelle's logo

 [Source: Sadelle’s]

  • Position: Host
  • About: Sadelle’s is a contemporary restaurant, recognized as a must-visit brunch destination by magazines like Harper’s BAZAAR and Cosmopolitan. It is part of Major Food Groups.
  • Requirements: Ability to work days, nights, weekends and holidays; ability to stand and walk for eight hours as well as push, pull and lift 30 pounds; previous customer service experience is strongly preferred
  • Job type: Full-time, part-time
  • Salary: $37,440–$41,600 a year
  • Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance, career growth opportunities, paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, dining allowance, unlimited referral program, TransitChek discount
  • Where to apply: Visit Major Food Groups’ career page

Host/Hostess Employment in NYC and Surrounding Cities

The demand for skilled Hosts and Hostesses is on the rise across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 19,580 Hosts and Hostesses are currently employed in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area.

New York-Newark-Jersey City area employs the highest number of Hosts and Hostesses out of other metropolitan areas in the United States.

[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

Host/Hostess Salary in New York City

The average Host/Hostess salary in New York City is $39,120 base plus tips per year or $18.81 base plus tips per hour, according to BLS. This is approximately 27.25% higher than the U.S. average, which is $30,750 base plus tips per year or $14.78 base plus tips per hour.

Should establishments provide bonuses or shared profits with employees?

Legal Requirements for Hosts/Hostesses in NYC

Here are some legal requirements Host and Hostesses in New York City must adhere to:

  • Minimum age: The minimum age for working as a Host or Hostess in NYC is 16 years old.
  • Working papers: If a Host or Hostess is under 18 years old, they need working papers as required by the New York State Labor Law.
  • Serving alcohol: If a Host or Hostess is responsible for serving alcohol, they need to complete alcohol server training and possess a certification such as the Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) certification.
  • Reporting tips: If a Host or Hostess receives tips, they need to report these to their employer for tax purposes.
  • Safety and hygiene practices: Hosts and Hostesses must adhere to safety and hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing procedures, food handling guidelines and sanitation protocols.

FAQs for Host/Hostess Jobs in NYC

Host/Hostess qualities most NYC employers look for include:

  • Previous NYC restaurant experience: This means a candidate is familiar with the city’s fast-paced restaurant scene and local health and safety regulations.
  • Fluency in foreign languages: Knowledge of one or more foreign languages is highly valuable for someone working in a city with such a diverse population and numerous visitors.
  • Cultural competence: Hosts and Hostesses working in NYC need to be able to interact effectively with a diverse clientele from different cultures.
  • Adaptability to change: NYC Hosts and Hostesses must be able to quickly adapt to different situations and menu changes, both of which are characteristic of the dynamic NYC restaurant industry.
  • Problem-solving under pressure: The ability to think quickly and resolve issues efficiently is essential for someone working in a busy NYC restaurant.

The work hours of a Host/Hostess in NYC depend on the establishment’s policies and whether they work part-time or full-time. Part-time Hosts and Hostesses usually work up to 34 hours per week, while full-time positions require 35 hours or more per week.

The work shifts for Hosts and Hostesses in NYC differ from restaurant to restaurant. Generally, they may work both daytime and evening shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Some common interview questions for Host/Hostess jobs in NYC include:

  • NYC restaurants see their fair share of VIP guests. How would you cater to these guests?
  • Tell us about your experience working in NYC’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
  • How do you manage seating arrangements during busy periods in a NYC restaurant?

See more interview questions and example answers on our Host/Hostess Interview Questions page.

How We Picked These Top 10 Host/Hostess Jobs in NYC

We have picked the top 10 Host/Hostess jobs in New York City based on the following criteria:

  1. Base pay: The jobs on our list offer competitive wages for Host/Hostess positions in New York City, which are well above the minimum wage. The minimum wage in NYC is currently set at $16.00 per hour.
  2. Benefits: We selected jobs that offered a good range of benefits, such as health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) and employee discounts.
  3. Reputable employers: We focused on companies with good reputations, well-known brands and commitment to employee well-being.

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