Hostess Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
The restaurant scene up and down the LA coastline—from Santa Monica to Downtown’s glossy towers—means Hostess jobs in Los Angeles are plentiful.
OysterLink's career platform lists 256 LA hostess positions, spanning fine-dining spots, casual eateries, hotels, and event venues.
Whether you're searching for hostess jobs near me, part-time front-of-house roles, or aiming for a career in hospitality jobs LA, this guide provides everything you need: applying tips, annual wages, location breakdowns, responsibilities, and legal must-knows.
How to Apply for Hostess Jobs in Los Angeles
Step 1: Prepare a Friendly, Guest-Focused Hostess Resume
Hostess roles value warmth and organization more than formal experience. Format your one-page resume clearly, listing any customer-service roles (retail, tourism, volunteer) that highlight your communication skills and dependability.
Include availability details (evenings, weekends), and note any secondary language skills—especially Spanish, highly valuable in LA.
If you’ve completed hospitality training, food safety classes, or customer-service workshops, mention them. Always tailor each application to the specific restaurant, so it reads as if you've expressed genuine interest in that venue.
Step 2: Visit Restaurants with a Smile
Many LA restaurants prefer in-person connections. Look up “hostess jobs in Los Angeles” or “hostess jobs near me” on OysterLink to identify open positions.
Then visit on off-peak hours—typically between lunches and early dinners—and ask politely for the manager. Dress neatly and bring a resume.
A simple introduction like, “Hi, I’m [Name], I saw you’re hiring a hostess—I’d love to introduce myself,” makes a good impression.
Establishments in high-profile areas—like Santa Monica Pier or Beverly Hills—are always hiring energetic front-of-house staff.
Step 3: Apply Smartly Online and In-Person
If an opening includes an online form or email, submit your tailored resume and a short cover note. If you’re applying in person, ask whether you should follow up online.
Follow every direction—applications often ask for availability or shift preferences.
Quick submissions can help you stand out among the dozens of applicants awaiting hostess roles in busy LA spots.
Step 4: Nail the Interview (Even if Informal)
Hostess interviews often include short, informal chats with managers. Be prepared to answer:
- “What days/times can you work?”
- “How would you handle busy seating or gap times?”
- “Describe a time you managed a difficult customer.”
Smile, maintain eye contact, and show confidence in guest service—even if you’re new to the role.
If asked to handle a waitlist or seating chart, demonstrate logic and hospitality. First impressions matter, especially when seating strangers: appear calm, organized, and friendly.
Step 5: Complete Certifications & Onboarding
After hiring, LA venues may require food safety awareness. Some require a California Food Handler Card, others may not—but having one shines in your favor. If the venue serves alcohol, managers might ask for an RBS certificate (Responsible Beverage Service).
Organize your paperwork—ID, eligibility to work, food/serve permits—and show up ready for training. Hostess training covers phone etiquette, reservation systems (Resy, OpenTable), greeting style, and emergency protocols (like fire exits).
Step 6: Follow Up & Stay Engaged
After your interview, follow up politely. A thank-you email or message expressing your excitement shows professionalism.
Even if you're not hired immediately, keep your resume on hand.
As new hostess schedules open or shifts need coverage, managers often call candidates who previously interviewed.
Why Work as a Hostess in Los Angeles, CA?
Vibrant Hospitality Scene
Mission-City, beach-sides, hotel restaurants—LA offers unmatched variety. Artists, tourists, and families out strolling at all hours, so hostess schedules stay active. Whether you’re greeting guests at a Brentwood café or hosting tourists near the Hollywood Bowl, every shift brings new faces and new stories.
Ideal for Career Building & Daytime Flexibility
Many hostess roles are part-time or evening, ideal for students or those balancing multiple commitments. They build foundational hospitality skills: communication, multitasking, guest management. Many hostesses advance to shift-lead, front-of-house supervisor, or banquet coordinator roles. LA’s ongoing hospitality growth means opportunities abound—especially as the 2028 Olympics approaches and public event volume surges.
Networking & Skills Development
You’ll learn how to use reservation software (Resy, Tock, OpenTable), manage busy tip pools, and greet guests with ease. Meeting restaurant managers, event planners, and chefs opens networking doors—especially useful for moving into roles like server, concierge, or event coordinator.
Hostess Job Responsibilities in LA
As a hostess, you’ll be at the front lines of hospitality. Typical responsibilities include:
- Warm Greeting & Seating
- Welcoming guests with a smile.
- Managing a reservation system and waitlist (paper or digital).
- Leading guests to clean, appropriate tables.
- Reservation & Waitlist Management
- Overseeing bookings via digital tools.
- Estimating wait times.
- Communicating professionally with waiting guests, handling unexpected flow during rush hours.
- Front-of-House Coordination
- Communicating with servers, bussers, and kitchen to balance speed and guest satisfaction.
- Handing menus, tracking party size, assisting guests with special requests.
- Phone & Customer Service Duties
- Answering and placing calls accurately: reservation details, directions, allergy questions.
- Handling cancellations promptly and optimally.
- Area Cleanliness & Ambience
- Keeping entrance area tidy and presentable.
- Re-stocking items like menus, silverware, and sanitizers.
- Monitoring guest areas, restocking service stations discreetly.
- Safety & Emergency Protocols
- Being aware of exits, fire codes, and ADA guidelines.
- Directing guests calmly during emergencies and maintaining order.
- Team Collaboration
- Helping bussers during rush to clear tables.
- Assisting bus staff with water refills or cleanup if needed.
- Upselling & Suggesting Extras
- Suggesting specials or wine to elevate the guest experience.
- In high-end venues, guiding guests through menus enhances customer satisfaction and potential gratuity sharing.
Where to Find Hostess Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Different neighborhoods cater to different hospitality styles. Here are LA’s hotspots:
Hollywood & West Hollywood
Trendy, celebrity-driven, high-energy venues—ideal for ambitious front-of-house staff. Expect evening and weekend shifts at lively venues.
Downtown LA & Financial District
Corporate restaurants, event venues in high-rise hotels, banquet halls—they hire regularly for hostess and event roles aligned with local office hours.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Outdoor seating, beachfront cafés, and waterfront bistros—perfect for beachgoers and tourists. Expect morning–afternoon shifts and slightly higher base pay due to location.
Beverly Hills & Westwood
Upscale restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and event-heavy venues. Hostess roles here may require more polished pacing and often pay higher hourly rates.
Culver City & Pasadena
Community dining, boutique restaurants, college-town traffic—great for more relaxed scheduling and daytime-oriented hostess work.
How Much Do Hostesses Make in Los Angeles?
Local Pay Data
- Salary.com reports a slightly lower average: $28,180/year ($13.55/hour).
- Our OysterLink data shows an average hostess salary close to $19.02/hour ($39,570/year) for all experience levels, excluding tips and bonuses.
What Impacts Your Pay
- Type of venue: Fine-dining and hotel positions often pay more than casual chain spots.
- Experience & polish: Familiarity with reservation tools, upselling skills, and bilingual abilities raise your value.
- Shift type: Morning, weekend, or event-night shifts generally pay more.
- Tips & gratuities: Some establishments pool tips with bussers and servers, adding to pay. If you're skilled at hosting, you may earn more.
Legal Requirements & California Hospitality Laws
Food Handler Card
While hostesses don’t always handle food, some California venues require a Food Handler Card under the state’s Food Handler Law (SB602/SB303). It applies to employees working in any food or beverage service setting, like restaurants or event venues. Training takes ~90 minutes online, costs around $7–$10, and you must pass with at least 70%. It’s valid region-wide for 3 years, except in certain counties.
Minimum Wage & Overtime
LA’s minimum wage is $17.87/hour (as of July 2025), while California state minimum is $16.50/hourmarketwatch.comindeed.com. You must be paid at least the applicable higher rate. Overtime (1.5× pay) applies beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Scheduled breaks (10 minutes rest for every 4 hours, plus a 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 hours) are your legal right.
Tips & Gratuities
California law prohibits tip credits against base wage—hostesses must get full minimum wage before tips. Many places share gratuities with waitstaff or bussers. Event venues may distribute service charges or tips collectively.
Age & Work Permits
You can work as a hostess at 14 or older in food/cash roles. However, working past school hours may require a work permit. If you're still in school, check that your schedule respects California's youth labor limits.
Anti-Discrimination & Scheduling Laws
LA’s Fair Workweek Ordinance protects gig and hospitality workers by requiring full-time chain establishments to post schedules 14 days in advance. You also have legal protections against discrimination and harassment at work. Pay stubs showing wage rates and hours must be furnished.
Host/Hostess Jobs in Los Angeles, CA: Final Thoughts
Starting as a hostess in Los Angeles offers flexible hours, solid pay, and a gateway into the dynamic hospitality world.
By crafting a warm resume, leveraging OysterLink and in-person visits, completing necessary certifications, and presenting your best self, you’ll be well-positioned to land a front-of-house role.
LA’s restaurant scene is bustling—whether your passion is event hosting, fine dining, or casual brunch spots, there's a smiling seat waiting for you.