FAQ
Restaurant Host FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a restaurant host.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a restaurant host: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about restaurant hosts
Do hosts get tips?
Some get a tip share.
Do I need experience?
No.
Is it a path to server?
Yes.
How much does a restaurant host make?
The median annual wage for restaurant hosts was $31,200 ($15.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,340 and the highest 10% earned more than $43,990.
How long does it take to become a restaurant host?
Most people need about A few days on the job of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be a restaurant host?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is restaurant host a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.4% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 107,100 openings each year. Upsides include friendly work; a common challenge is that low pay.
What skills does a restaurant host need?
Key technical skills include reservation systems, waitlist management, seating rotation, and phone etiquette. Employers also value friendliness, calm, and organization.
What certifications are available for restaurant hosts?
Common credentials include Hospitality training, Food handler card, Customer service training, and Alcohol awareness. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Restaurant Host fit quiz, compare with Server, or explore Restaurant Host training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 35-9031 (Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.