Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.
SOC: 35-9031.00
Common Job Titles
Buffet HostessGreeterHostHostess
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetEngage with diverse patrons to create a welcoming dining experience in high-volume restaurant, lounge, or coffee shop settings.Developing
- KnowledgeApply seating strategies and table management principles to optimize guest flow and wait times during peak service periods.Developing
- MindsetRespect patron preferences and special requests while balancing operational constraints and service standards.Developing
- Hands-onOperate reservation software and point-of-sale systems to manage bookings and coordinate table assignments efficiently.Developing
- KnowledgeApply active listening and social perceptiveness skills to anticipate patron needs and address concerns proactively.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish service quality issues and facility maintenance needs through continuous monitoring of dining areas and front-of-house operations.Developing
- MindsetRespond to patron conflicts and service complaints using negotiation and problem-solving approaches to maintain satisfaction.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate coordination between front-of-house and service staff to ensure seamless communication and dining experience delivery.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain menu offerings, wait times, and establishment policies clearly to patrons using customer service and food production knowledge.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in team meetings and training sessions to support continuous improvement of service standards and hospitality practices.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
427,150
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $22,010 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $42,600 |
| Workers on average earn | $32,030 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Food Production3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.4/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
FacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Windows
Technology Skills
Avenista Table ReservationsGuestBridge ReserveHospitality Control Solutions Aloha Point-of-SaleOpenTablePoint of sale POS softwareReservation softwareiMagic Restaurant Reservation
Tools & Equipment
Carbonated beverage dispensersCash registersCommercial coffeemakersDesktop computersHandheld calculatorsIce-making machinesJuice dispensersMulti-line telephone systems