Host: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$31,200

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

432,690

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Most common education

Less than a High School Diploma

42% of workers

Data Government data groups this job as Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop (O*NET-SOC 35-9031.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Provide guests with menus.
2. Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
3. Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and customers to ensure that dining details are handled properly and customers' concerns are addressed.
4. Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
5. Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, to respond to complaints, or to make conversation.
6. Inspect dining and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and proper setup.
7. Supervise and coordinate activities of dining room staff to ensure that patrons receive prompt and courteous service.
8. Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries or transfer calls.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

2.9%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Light

96.9% of workers

Can pause work

25.2%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

less than 0.5%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

89.1%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

On TryHired lists: Jobs that don't require experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Food services and drinking places88.4% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.1% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $32,320
2. Accommodation4.2% of all jobs in this occupation · +6.8% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $37,600
3. Amusement, gambling, and recreation industries2.1% of all jobs in this occupation · +7.1% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $33,710
4. Hospitals; state, local, and private0.6% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.7% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $41,280
5. Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals0.6% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.9% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $32,210
6. Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing0.5% of all jobs in this occupation · +8.5% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $34,890

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Customer and Personal Service, English Language.

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Also called: Buffet Hostess, Dining Coordinator, Greeter, Host Coordinator, Hostess.