What does a Cashier/Host do?

A cashier/host is responsible for facilitating the cash register processes and managing financial transactions. Cashier/hosts process reservations and online payments, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, escalate high-level complaints, update customer's account information on the database, and perform various administrative and clerical tasks as needed. They also create comprehensive financial reports for management's review, including recommendations on cost-efficient strategies to minimize the company's loss without compromising high-quality services. A cashier/host must be analytical and communicative to maintain smooth operations and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.
Cashier/host responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cashier/host resumes:
- Greet guests, answer phones, seat guests, prepare to-go orders, POS station, handle cash.
- Answer telephone calls regarding group party reservations and business information.
- Cook burgers at a timely manner and used fryers also wash dishes and close the store
- Perform debit, credit and cash transactions, totale accountant on computer database, using specialize POS accounting software.
- Restock supplies and maintain restaurant cleanliness.
- Maintain an up-most standard for customer satisfaction and restaurant cleanliness.
- Accept and organize reservations, and prioritize reservations to accommodate customers.
- Utilize basic computation and mathematics, and maintain electronic registers for all payment transactions including cash and credit cards.
- Strengthen the Walmart brand by interacting positively and professionally with a highly diverse customer base.
Cashier/host skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Cashiers/Host are proficient in Cleanliness, Host, and Excellent Guest. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Near vision, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Cashiers/Host that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Cleanliness, 19%
Maintained an up-most standard for customer satisfaction and restaurant cleanliness.
- Host, 13%
Host position involved influencing potential customers and instructing them on methods.
- Excellent Guest, 11%
Responded effectively to guest inquiries related to MGM Grand Detroit and the downtown Detroit area providing excellent guest service.
- POS, 10%
Performed debit, credit and cash transactions, totaled accountant on computer database, using specialized POS accounting software.
- Reservations, 7%
Provided a well-organized waiting list along with reservations.
- To-Go Orders, 6%
Greeted customers as they entered restaurant Cashed out customers Took to-go orders over the phone Maintained a clean and friendly atmosphere
Most cashiers/host use their skills in "cleanliness," "host," and "excellent guest" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential cashier/host responsibilities here:
Dexterity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a cashier/host to have is dexterity. Their role and responsibilities require that "cashiers use their hands to operate registers and scan purchases." Cashiers/host often use dexterity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "cash handling register use bus tables, lift 50 lbs. "
Near vision. Many cashier/host duties rely on near vision. "cashiers need to see well enough to scan items and process transactions accurately.," so a cashier/host will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways cashier/host responsibilities rely on near vision: "appropriate level of supervision: greets all guest and assist customers with customer service. "
Patience. cashiers/host are also known for patience, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to cashier/host responsibilities, because "cashiers must be able to remain calm when interacting with customers." A cashier/host resume example shows how patience is used in the workplace: "establish or identify prices of goods, services or admission providing exemplary customer service skills used patience verbal listening customer service math"
Communication skills. For certain cashier/host responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a cashier/host rely on this skill, as "cashiers must pay attention to customers’ questions and explain pricing." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what cashiers/host do: "maintain a clean environment greet guests and take their orders ensure product quality present professional communication skills and understanding. "
Physical stamina. Another common skill required for cashier/host responsibilities is "physical stamina." This skill comes up in the duties of cashiers/host all the time, as "cashiers stand for long periods." An excerpt from a real cashier/host resume shows how this skill is central to what a cashier/host does: "managed multiple systems (micros pos, cozy pos) took physical inventory of supplies. "
Customer-service skills. Lastly, "customer-service skills" is an important element of what a cashier/host does. Cashier/host responsibilities require this skill because "cashiers must be courteous and friendly when helping customers." This resume example highlights how cashier/host duties rely on this skill: "greet customers and receive payment by cash, credit cards, and automatic debits. "
The three companies that hire the most cashier/hosts are:
- Zoës Kitchen
126 cashiers/host jobs
- Dodge45 cashiers/host jobs
- Golden Corral40 cashiers/host jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable cashier/host resume templates
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Cashier/host vs. Food runner
Food Runners are responsible for assisting waitstaff on serving customers at a restaurant or similar establishment. Among their duties include maintaining cleanliness in particular areas, setting tables, refilling drinks, assisting customers with everything that they need, and coordinating with the workforce in and out of the kitchen. Furthermore, Food Runners need to ensure that all deliveries are accurate according to what is ordered by a customer. It is essential to stay presentable and helpful at all times as the main priority is customer satisfaction.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cashiers/host and food runner. For instance, cashier/host responsibilities require skills such as "host," "reservations," "guest complaints," and "basic math." Whereas a food runner is skilled in "wine," "culinary," "food handling," and "food service." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Food runners earn the highest salaries when working in the hospitality industry, with an average yearly salary of $26,747. On the other hand, cashiers/host are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $29,494.The education levels that food runners earn slightly differ from cashiers/host. In particular, food runners are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a cashier/host. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cashier/host vs. Server
A server is a restaurant employee assigned to the main dining area of the restaurant to primarily attend to the customer's needs. Servers assist guests to their tables, wait for the guests to be ready with their orders, and take the guests' orders. They should be knowledgeable about the restaurant's offerings since they should be able to answer any questions asked by the guests regarding the menu. They communicate the guests' orders to the kitchen crew and serve the orders once they are ready. Once the guests are finished eating, servers provide their bills upon their request and clean up the table when they leave. Servers should have excellent customer service skills and hospitality management skills.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, cashier/host responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "host," "reservations," "basic math," and "math." Meanwhile, a server has duties that require skills in areas such as "wine," "english language," "food service," and "exceptional dining." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Servers may earn a higher salary than cashiers/host, but servers earn the most pay in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $28,027. On the other hand, cashiers/host receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $29,494.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Servers tend to reach similar levels of education than cashiers/host. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cashier/host vs. Host/waiter
A sales associate and cashier is an employee who takes on the dual role of helping customers with their product inquiries and facilitating the purchase of the customer. As a sales associate, the employee must be familiar with the different products offered by the company and should be able to direct customers to the product that best suits their needs. As a cashier, the employee must be familiar with the cash register and the system that the company uses to manage sales and facilitate payment. He/She or she must be able to work the equipment needed for a smooth checkout process.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a cashier/host is likely to be skilled in "cleanliness," "host," "excellent guest," and "reservations," while a typical host/waiter is skilled in "food handling," "culinary," "waiter," and "customer satisfaction."
Most host/waiters achieve a similar degree level compared to cashiers/host. For example, they're 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cashier/host vs. Sales associate and cashier
Types of cashier/host
Updated January 8, 2025