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Event host vs hostess

The differences between event hosts and hostesses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an event host has an average salary of $29,232, which is higher than the $26,298 average annual salary of a hostess.

The top three skills for an event host include reservations, customer service and TIP. The most important skills for a hostess are reservations, exceptional guest, and seat guests.

Event host vs hostess overview

Event HostHostess
Yearly salary$29,232$26,298
Hourly rate$14.05$12.64
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs15,09282,629
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

What does an event host do?

An event host utilizes their organizational and people skills in making guests feel comfortable at various events and places. Most of their time is spent standing up and walking to greet and assist guests, facilitate programs and activities, answer inquiries, and supervise staff and other services. In some situations, an event host may participate in organizing the events, from planning to execution. They typically meet with clients to identify their needs and preferences, reach out to vendors and suppliers, book venues and caterers, and resolve issues should any arise.

What does a hostess do?

Hostesses are responsible for managing guests who come to the restaurant. They greet guests, ensure that the guests have tables ready before letting them into the restaurant floor, guide the guests to their assigned tables, and introduce the guests to the waiter assigned to the table. Hostesses also manage the reservation list, often manning the restaurant's reservation hotline. They also control the entry of guests, answer any query that guests may have, and take note of any special requests. Hostesses ensure that guests have the best possible restaurant experience.

Event host vs hostess salary

Event hosts and hostesses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Event HostHostess
Average salary$29,232$26,298
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $39,000Between $20,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityWebster, NYPortland, ME
Highest paying stateVermontMaine
Best paying companyBDV-Soft Consulting
Best paying industryEducationHospitality

Differences between event host and hostess education

There are a few differences between an event host and a hostess in terms of educational background:

Event HostHostess
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Event host vs hostess demographics

Here are the differences between event hosts' and hostesses' demographics:

Event HostHostess
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 14.1% Female, 85.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 5.8% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between event host and hostess duties and responsibilities

Event host example responsibilities.

  • Manage guest lists and VIP areas with emphasis on strategic placement design to boost company profile and maximize profit.
  • Manage party reservations in efficient manner.
  • Manage servers and tables to ensure and safeguard efficient restaurant operations.
  • Host club-sponsore events by helping plan events, waiting tables and bartending.
  • Help the kids with bowling and laser tag, serve pizza for the children, and serve food/alcohol for the adults.
  • Complete CPR and a certification.
  • Show more

Hostess example responsibilities.

  • Assist guests in booking reservations and manage guest history data using OpenTable reservation system.
  • Welcome guests upon arrival and provide seating arrangements base upon OpenTable reservations and guest preference.
  • Greet by name and escort patrons to their personalize private dining area while coordinating reservations and exemplifying customer service
  • Help bar back when need and learned minimal skills in bartending.
  • Make managers aware of guests' special dining requirements and allergies.
  • Set up and maintain continental breakfast buffet, hors d'oeuvres and VIP bar.
  • Show more

Event host vs hostess skills

Common event host skills
  • Reservations, 17%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • TIP, 13%
  • Corporate Events, 11%
  • POS, 9%
  • Event Space, 6%
Common hostess skills
  • Reservations, 49%
  • Exceptional Guest, 9%
  • Seat Guests, 4%
  • To-Go Orders, 4%
  • Bus Tables, 3%
  • Telephone Calls, 2%

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