Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop
SOC Code: 35-9031Also known as:
Bar Host, Bar Hostess, Breakfast Host, Buffet Hostess, Deli Host (Delicatessen Host)
Median Annual Salary
$30,380
-1.5% growth (2024-2034)
108K
Openings/Year
430K
Current Jobs
What Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop Do
Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.
💰 Salary
$30,380
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
108K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
429,900
Projected Employment (2034)
423,500
Related Careers
Fast food and counter workers
$30,480 •
+6.1% growth
Waiters and waitresses
$33,760 •
-0.7% growth
Food servers, nonrestaurant
$34,460 •
+3.0% growth
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
$32,670 •
+6.3% growth
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
$34,270 •
+3.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
- Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, to respond to complaints, or to make conversation.
- Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of dining room staff to ensure that patrons receive prompt and courteous service.
- Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.
- Assist other restaurant workers by serving food and beverages, or by bussing tables.
- Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies, and clean restrooms when necessary.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop make?
The median annual salary for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop is $30,380.
What education do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop need?
Most hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop a good career choice?
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop is projected to see -1.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 107,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop?
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop may also be known as: Bar Host, Bar Hostess, Breakfast Host, Buffet Hostess, Deli Host (Delicatessen Host), Dining Coordinator, Dining Room Host, Dining Room Hostess, Front Desk Host, Front Desk Hostess, General Teller, Greeter, Hospitality Coordinator, Host, Host Coordinator, Hostess, Maitre D' (Maitre d'hotel), Parlor Chaperone, Party Host, Party Hostess.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.