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Host & Hostess

Also called: Buffet Hostess, Greeter, Host, Hostess

Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Food & hospitality
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Median pay
$31,200/yr
Typical range
$22,340 – $43,990
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Host & Hostess do?

  • Provide guests with menus.
  • Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
  • Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and customers to ensure that dining details are handled properly and customers' concerns are addressed.

How to become a Host & Hostess

Training: A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsTalking to othersLooking for ways to help peopleUnderstanding people's reactions

Is it a fit for you?

  • Optimism
  • Social Orientation
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Empathy

Tools and technology

Microsoft ExcelHospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-SaleAvenista Table ReservationsReservation software

Questions people ask

How much does a Host & Hostess make?

About $31,200 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $22,340 and $43,990. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Host & Hostess?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Host & Hostess?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED, though some people start without a diploma.

Is Host & Hostess a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendant & Bartender Helper$33,980 a yearFast Food & Counter Worker$31,200 a yearWaiter & Waitress$35,230 a yearBarista$31,200 a yearBartender$34,340 a yearChef & Head Cook$62,470 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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