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Host/Hostess Jobs – October 2024 Job Listings

We have selected the best Host/Hostess jobs in the United States — complete with salaries, requirements and benefits — in preparation for OysterLink Jobs platform’s launch.

Host/Hostess Employment in the US

The demand for skilled Hosts and Hostesses is on the rise across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 425,020 Hosts and Hostesses are currently employed in the United States.

The chart below shows the fluctuation in Host/Hostess employment from 2019 to 2023.

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

Host/Hostess employment figures declined sharply in 2020 but soon started climbing back up in 2021 and 2022. By 2023, Host/Hostess employment surpassed the 2019 figures.

Host/Hostess Salary in the US

On average, a Host/Hostess salary in the United States earns $30,750 base plus tips per year or $14.78 base plus tips per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Should establishments provide bonuses or shared profits with employees?

How We Picked Top 10 Host/Hostess Jobs in the US

We have picked the top 10 Host/Hostess jobs in the U.S. based on the following criteria:

  1. Competitive salary: The jobs on our list offer above-average pay for Host/Hostess positions in the United States
  2. Extensive benefits: Recognizing the importance of a good benefits package, we selected jobs that offered paid time off, healthcare, retirement funds, parental leave, meal discounts, etc.
  3. Reputable employers: We focused on companies with established brands, good reputation and commitment to employee satisfaction.

Host/Hostess Jobs FAQs

Here are the common qualifications and skills employers look for in Host/Hostess job ads:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in customer service or hospitality roles (preferred)
  • Communication
  • Multitasking
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization

Yes, there are plenty of courses that can prepare you for customer-facing roles and teach you more about best hospitality practices. You can find more information about those courses on our Host/Hostess career page.

Even though most employers won’t ask you for anything beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, having a relevant certification on your resume will also help you stand out.

To ace a Host/Hostess job interview, you’ll need to practice the answers to common interview questions. During the interview, make sure to be confident, calm and articulate because excellent communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure are key to excel as a Host or Hostess.

New Hosts and Hostesses are usually trained by experienced staff. This training may cover the following aspects of the role:

  • Greeting and seating guests
  • Managing reservations
  • Using reservation software
  • Addressing customer queries or complaints
  • Familiarization with the restaurant offers, policies and safety procedures

Some common interview questions for Host/Hostess positions include:

  • Why do you want to work as a Host/Hostess?
  • What is the most important quality for a Host/Hostess?
  • Can you describe your experience working in a customer service role, particularly in a restaurant or hospitality setting?
  • How do you handle challenging or difficult customers? Provide an example of such a situation and how you resolved it.

See example answers on our Host/Hostess Interview Questions page

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