Host/Hostess Jobs in NYC – November 2024 Job Listings
We selected some of the top Host/Hostess jobs in NYC — complete with requirements, salary and benefits.
Top 14 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 15 best Host/Hostess positions available in NYC.
Restaurant Host/Hostess
Host
Maitre’D
Gallery Host
Host
Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess
Restaurant Host
Host
Host
Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess
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: BLS]
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.
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 15 Host/Hostess Jobs in NYC
We have picked the top Host/Hostess jobs in New York City based on the following criteria:
- 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.
- 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.
- Reputable employers: We focused on companies with good reputations, well-known brands and commitment to employee well-being.
