Post job

Host/waiter vs server and hostess

The differences between host/waiters and server and hostesses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a server and hostess has an average salary of $28,020, which is higher than the $25,593 average annual salary of a host/waiter.

The top three skills for a host/waiter include customer service, food handling and waiter. The most important skills for a server and hostess are POS, food preparation, and food orders.

Host/waiter vs server and hostess overview

Host/WaiterServer And Hostess
Yearly salary$25,593$28,020
Hourly rate$12.30$13.47
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs73,39997,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 39%
Average age2828
Years of experience--

Host/waiter vs server and hostess salary

Host/waiters and server and hostesses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Host/WaiterServer And Hostess
Average salary$25,593$28,020
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $34,000Between $21,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Binghamton, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Blue Dolphin Energy
Best paying industry-Hospitality

Differences between host/waiter and server and hostess education

There are a few differences between a host/waiter and a server and hostess in terms of educational background:

Host/WaiterServer And Hostess
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%High School Diploma, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Host/waiter vs server and hostess demographics

Here are the differences between host/waiters' and server and hostesses' demographics:

Host/WaiterServer And Hostess
Average age2828
Gender ratioMale, 90.0% Female, 10.0%Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 10.1% White, 50.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 8.2% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between host/waiter and server and hostess duties and responsibilities

Host/waiter example responsibilities.

  • Manage restaurant sections in order to equalize seating arrangements for each waiter and ensure the restaurant are stocked and well maintain.
  • Train employees on job duties and POS system.
  • Edit POS system to adjust for changes in prices and new inventory to assist ease of usage for employees.
  • Establish a positive relationship with co-workers and managers through a solid work ethic, positive attitude, punctuality and dependability.
  • Maximize profits by upselling food and alcoholic beverages and utilizing excellent customer service skills to ensure guests repeat business.

Server and hostess example responsibilities.

  • Assist guests in booking reservations and manage guest history data using OpenTable reservation system.
  • Provide quality customer service, process customer transactions utilizing proprietary POS system, skillfully handle cash and credit card transactions.
  • Perform bartending duties during busy events or whenever require.
  • Coordinate with kitchen managerial staff using POS systems to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
  • Provide guests with an excellent dining experience by asking questions about allergies or preferences and initiating conversation for customer confidence.
  • Manage expediter window paying close attention to garnishes and presentation.

Host/waiter vs server and hostess skills

Common host/waiter skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Food Handling, 21%
  • Waiter, 10%
  • Food Orders, 6%
  • Food Preparation, 5%
  • Customer Orders, 3%
Common server and hostess skills
  • POS, 11%
  • Food Preparation, 10%
  • Food Orders, 9%
  • Customer Orders, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Drink Orders, 5%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs