The hospitality industry in New York City is perfect for those seeking jobs that pay well but don’t require extensive experience. With the city’s booming restaurant and hotel scene, many establishments offer roles that are easy to get into, yet provide excellent earning potential.
Hospitality jobs often have a low barrier to entry, requiring minimal formal education, and many offer tips or bonuses that significantly boost earnings. Below is a list of easy jobs that pay well in NYC, with insights on what makes each role attractive, potential challenges, and their average salaries.
What Are Some Easy Jobs in NYC That Pay Well?
New York City’s restaurant and hospitality industries offer numerous positions that are relatively low-effort but pay well. From entry-level roles to support staff, there’s something for everyone.
The following jobs are considered easy due to their minimal skill requirements and on-the-job training, but they still demand reliability and a strong work ethic. Most of these roles allow for part-time or flexible schedules, making them great for beginners or those looking to transition into hospitality.
1. Busser
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Bussers assist Servers by clearing tables, refilling water glasses, and ensuring the dining area stays clean. This role doesn’t require prior experience and is an excellent way to get started in the restaurant industry.
- Challenges: The job can be physically demanding, involving a lot of walking and lifting. Peak hours may get hectic, but teamwork and simple tasks make the role manageable.
- Average Busser Pay in NYC: Bussers in New York City, on average, earn about $16. Tips often boost Busser earnings to $25 per hour during busy shifts.
2. Host/Hostess
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Hosts and Hostesses greet guests, manage reservations, and seat customers. This role focuses on communication and organizational skills, making it ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with people.
- Challenges: Handling upset customers or long wait times can be stressful. However, most tasks are straightforward and come with minimal physical strain.
- Average Host/Hostess Pay: Hosts and Hostesses in NYC typically earn around $18 per hour, with upscale venues offering higher wages.
3. Dishwasher
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Dishwashers play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly. The job involves cleaning dishes and kitchen equipment, with minimal customer interaction required.
- Challenges: It can be repetitive and physically tiring, especially during busy shifts. However, the tasks are simple, and kitchens often provide breaks and meal perks.
- Average Dishwasher Pay: Dishwashers in NYC earn approximately $17 per hour, with some restaurants offering bonuses during peak seasons.
4. Food Runner
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Food Runners deliver dishes from the kitchen to the dining tables, bridging the gap between kitchen staff and Servers. This job requires minimal training and focuses on speed and accuracy.
- Challenges: It involves a lot of movement and carrying plates, but the work is straightforward and doesn’t require multitasking at the same level as Servers.
- Average Food Runner Pay: Food Runners in NYC make around $20 per hour, with tips often increasing earnings to $23 or more per hour.
5. Receptionist
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Receptionists in hotels and restaurants handle reservations, greet guests, and answer phone calls. This is a customer-facing role but doesn’t require advanced skills beyond communication and computer proficiency.
- Challenges: Dealing with demanding guests can be tricky, but the work is low-stress compared to kitchen or floor staff roles.
- Average Receptionist Pay: Receptionists in NYC earn $20 per hour, with luxury hotels offering higher wages.
6. Concierge
- Why It’s Considered Easy: Concierges provide information, book reservations, and help guests with special requests. This position emphasizes customer service but involves minimal physical work.
- Challenges: Occasionally, guests may have complex requests, but most tasks are simple and enjoyable, especially in luxury hotels.
- Average Concierge Pay: Concierges in NYC make around $22 per hour, with additional earnings from guest tips.
Final Thoughts
Hospitality jobs in New York City provide fantastic entry-level opportunities for those looking for easy jobs that pay well. These roles allow you to earn competitive wages while gaining valuable experience in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
If you’re ready to jump into the restaurant or hotel industry, roles like Busser, Host, or Receptionist can open doors to higher-paying positions with time and dedication.
FAQs About Easy Jobs That Pay Well in NYC
Busser, Host, and Dishwasher roles are the easiest to get without prior experience. These positions require minimal skills and provide on-the-job training, making them great entry points into the hospitality industry.
Concierge and Barback roles typically offer the highest pay among entry-level hospitality jobs, with hourly wages ranging from $19 to $24 per hour, often supplemented by tips.
Yes, part-time hospitality jobs like Busser or Food Runner can pay well, especially in upscale venues or busy seasons. Tips can significantly increase overall earnings.
Starting as a Busser or Barback allows you to learn the business. Demonstrating strong work ethic and customer service skills can lead to promotions to Server, Bartender, or even Manager roles over time.
Entry-level positions may not always offer benefits, but many employers provide perks like free meals, bonuses and flexible schedules. Larger hotels and restaurants often offer health insurance and paid time off for full-time employees.
