Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop hosts and hostesses greet customers, manage seating, and monitor facility conditions and service quality. They work in dining establishments ranging from casual coffee shops to upscale restaurants and lounges, serving as the first point of contact for patrons and coordinating with servers and management.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves greeting arriving customers, reviewing reservations and managing wait times, and seating guests at appropriate tables. Hosts and hostesses answer phones, take reservations, manage the host stand, and monitor dining areas for cleanliness and service issues. They coordinate with servers and kitchen staff about table readiness and guest flow, and may handle customer concerns or complaints throughout their shift.
Who this work suits
Holland code SEC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you enjoy interacting with different people and like taking charge of how things run, this work suits you. People who do well here tend to be organized, personable, and comfortable handling multiple tasks while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $31,160 | $47,070 | $57,310 | 2,650 |
| Oregon | $33,280 | $40,720 | $48,850 | 5,740 |
| District of Columbia | $37,050 | $37,570 | $44,310 | 2,450 |
| Washington | $35,720 | $37,270 | $45,040 | 9,530 |
| Maine | $33,980 | $36,800 | $41,860 | 1,460 |
| California | $35,200 | $36,640 | $42,860 | 41,100 |
| New York | $34,150 | $36,490 | $43,190 | 18,640 |
| Colorado | $31,440 | $36,340 | $43,600 | 9,490 |
| Massachusetts | $31,200 | $34,960 | $36,490 | 13,540 |
| Maryland | $32,280 | $34,860 | $36,270 | 7,390 |
| Arizona | $31,200 | $34,740 | $38,190 | 10,710 |
| Connecticut | $34,010 | $34,210 | $35,500 | 3,670 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- ServSafe Alcohol — National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) — Society of Wine Educators
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-9031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.