Post job

Hostess vs cashier/host

The differences between hostesses and cashiers/host can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a hostess has an average salary of $26,298, which is higher than the $24,581 average annual salary of a cashier/host.

The top three skills for a hostess include reservations, exceptional guest and seat guests. The most important skills for a cashier/host are cleanliness, host, and excellent guest.

Hostess vs cashier/host overview

HostessCashier/Host
Yearly salary$26,298$24,581
Hourly rate$12.64$11.82
Growth rate9%-10%
Number of jobs82,629131,740
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age2334
Years of experience--

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.

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.

Hostess vs cashier/host salary

Hostesses and cashiers/host have different pay scales, as shown below.

HostessCashier/Host
Average salary$26,298$24,581
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $34,000Between $16,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityPortland, MEAustin, TX
Highest paying stateMaineWashington
Best paying companyV-Soft Consulting24 Carrots Catering and Events
Best paying industryHospitalityRetail

Differences between hostess and cashier/host education

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

HostessCashier/Host
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Hostess vs cashier/host demographics

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

HostessCashier/Host
Average age2334
Gender ratioMale, 14.1% Female, 85.9%Male, 42.7% Female, 57.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.0% Asian, 8.3% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between hostess and cashier/host duties and responsibilities

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

Cashier/host example responsibilities.

  • 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.
  • Show more

Hostess vs cashier/host skills

Common hostess skills
  • Reservations, 49%
  • Exceptional Guest, 9%
  • Seat Guests, 4%
  • To-Go Orders, 4%
  • Bus Tables, 3%
  • Telephone Calls, 2%
Common cashier/host skills
  • Cleanliness, 19%
  • Host, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 11%
  • POS, 10%
  • Reservations, 7%
  • To-Go Orders, 6%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs