Host/Hostess

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Work Tasks

• Greet guests as they come into a restaurant and show them to their tables
• Plan and reserve dining times, parties, and special requests
• Make sure service is fast and polite and food good
• Act as cashiers and listen to any customer complaints
• Work indoors for hotel dining rooms, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, country clubs, and other places that serve food to the public
• Work with reservations, menus, work schedules, checks, cash, credit cards, dishes, utensils, napkins, and linens

Salary, Size & Growth

• $29,000 average per year ($14.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (329,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and on-the-job training
• Skills/Courses: Skills include the ability to deal with the public and experience at being a host/hostess.
• Certification/Licensing: A health certificate may be required.