Job Description for Restaurant Host/Hostess Position
Job Duties
What Are the Responsibilities of a Restaurant Host?
Hosts and hostesses perform a wide range of job duties. Responsibilities may vary between employers, but typically hosts and hostesses work as the first point of contact in offering an exceptional dining experience. Hosts and hostesses greet guests, estimate waiting times, guide guests to their tables, provide menus, inform guests about daily specials, and book reservations. Additionally, hosts or hostesses help regulate restaurant operations by maintaining constant contact with servers and kitchen staff. At some restaurants, hosts and hostesses may ring out customers on a cash register. New-hire associates typically receive paid training in order to learn the essential host job duties.
Job Qualifications
What Are the Requirements for a Restaurant Host Job?
Essential qualities in a host or hostess include a friendly personality, patience, organization, and the ability to multi-task. Workers must also possess the ability to stand for extended periods of time. Most restaurants set the minimum working age requirement for hosts and hostesses at 16 years old. Typically, restaurants do not ask for educational certifications for hosts or hostesses. For this and other entry-level jobs, restaurants do not generally require previous work experience in the foodservice industry.
Salary & Compensation
How Much Can a Restaurant Host Make?
Starting wages for hosts and hostesses range from approximately $7.25 to $9.00 an hour. The top paying areas for hosts and hostesses include Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Colombia. In states with higher minimum wages, the average hourly wage for hosts and hostesses ranges between $10.00 and $12.00 an hour. Overall, hosts earn average pay around $9.50 an hour. Host salaries may be supplemented with tips at some restaurants.
Employment Benefits
What Kinds of Job Benefits Can a Restaurant Host Earn?
Hosts and hostesses may work part-time or full-time schedules, depending on need and availability. Many restaurants offer extensive benefits packages to qualified associates. Work benefits may vary depending on the employer and number of hours an employee works each week. Typical restaurant job benefits include healthcare coverage, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and discounts on meals.
Restaurant Host/Hostess Salary Comparison
How Do Average Host Salaries Compare Between Restaurant Chains?
| Average Salary Per Hour | Average Salary Per Year | |
| Applebee’s | $9.00 | $18,250 |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | $9.00 | $18,250 |
| Cheesecake Factory | $10.50 | $21,000 |
| Chili’s | $9.00 | $18,250 |
| Cracker Barrel | $9.50 | $19,000 |
| Denny’s | $9.00 | $18,250 |
| Friendly’s | $9.00 | $18,250 |
| Hooters | $9.50 | $19,250 |
| IHOP | $8.50 | $17,000 |
| Olive Garden | $10.00 | $20,250 |
