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How to hire a server and hostess

Server and hostess hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring server and hostesses in the United States:

  • There are a total of 2,511,952 server and hostesses in the US, and there are currently 97,109 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a server and hostess is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per server and hostess on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • New York, NY, has the highest demand for server and hostesses, with 18 job openings.

How to hire a server and hostess, step by step

To hire a server and hostess, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a server and hostess:

Here's a step-by-step server and hostess hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a server and hostess job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new server and hostess
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a server and hostess do?

A server and hostess is an employee who plays the dual role of both a hostess and a server. As implied by this, a server and hostess is in-charge of welcoming guests as they enter the restaurant, ensuring that the guests' tables are ready before leading them to their assigned tables, handing over the menu, and waiting for the guests to finalize their order. Once the guests are ready to order, the server and hostess takes on the server role by bringing the guests' order to the kitchen, waiting for the food to be ready, and bringing the food to the guests' table.

Learn more about the specifics of what a server and hostess does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The server and hostess hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A server and hostess's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, server and hostesses from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents server and hostess salaries for various positions.

    Type of Server And HostessDescriptionHourly rate
    Server And HostessWaiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.$10-17
    Food RunnerFood 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... Show more$8-16
    WaitstaffThe waitstaff takes responsibility for tasks like recommending dishes based on the tastes and preferences of guests, accepting payments, and taking orders. Waitstaff delivers food to tables, ensures outstanding guest experience, and accepts payments... Show more$9-15
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • POS
    • Food Preparation
    • Food Orders
    • Customer Orders
    • Customer Service
    • Drink Orders
    • To-Go Orders
    • Seat Guests
    • Food Service
    • Bus Tables
    • Beverage Orders
    • Computer System
    • Fine Dining
    • Customer Complaints
    Check all skills
    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.
    More server and hostess duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your server and hostess job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A server and hostess salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, server and hostesses' average salary in oklahoma is 51% less than in district of columbia.
    • Seniority. Entry-level server and hostesses earn 43% less than senior-level server and hostesses.
    • Certifications. A server and hostess with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a server and hostess's salary.

    Average server and hostess salary

    $13.47hourly

    $28,020 yearly

    Entry-level server and hostess salary
    $21,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025

    Average server and hostess salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New York$37,097$18
    2Massachusetts$34,805$17
    3California$32,228$15
    4Maine$29,898$14
    5Oregon$29,838$14
    6Maryland$29,224$14
    7Hawaii$27,588$13
    8Michigan$26,956$13
    9Illinois$24,944$12
    10Texas$24,270$12
    11Nevada$23,317$11
    12Arkansas$23,087$11
    13Indiana$22,999$11
    14Kansas$22,882$11
    15Missouri$22,668$11
    16Georgia$22,021$11
    17Florida$21,922$11
    18South Carolina$21,453$10
    19Mississippi$20,926$10
    20Alabama$20,881$10

    Average server and hostess salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Blue Dolphin Energy$39,883$19.17
    2General Electric$37,343$17.95
    3Sunrise Senior Living Management Inc$31,828$15.30265
    4Westminster$31,621$15.204
    5St. Peter's Health$31,390$15.09
    6Russo$30,616$14.72
    7Fish & Richardson$30,596$14.71
    8Amherst College$30,493$14.662
    9Bozeman Health$30,404$14.62
    10Washington Regional Medical Center$29,256$14.07
    11Sodexo Management, Inc.$28,896$13.89125
    12ManpowerGroup$28,716$13.814
    13Real Food Works$28,278$13.60
    14NYU Lutheran Medical Center$28,207$13.561
    15Regal Cinemas Corp$27,987$13.469
    16Regional Medical Center- Orangeburg$27,912$13.42
    17TravelCenters of America$27,815$13.3770
    18Five Star Service Group Inc$27,717$13.33
    19PeopleReady$27,694$13.3173
    20Thera Trust$27,429$13.19
  4. Writing a server and hostess job description

    A good server and hostess job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a server and hostess job description:

    Server and hostess job description example

    1.Greet guests in a prompt, friendly, courteous and professional manner.

    2.Take guests food and drink orders in a timely manner. Process all transactions prior to the guest leaving the counter.

    3.Clean and clear tables as needed.

    4.Deliver prepared orders and drinks, alcoholic beverages included to guests in a timely and friendly manner.

    5.Create accurate guest reservations in the computer for guests either in person or over the phone according to outlet requirements.

    6.Answer phone in a prompt and courteous manner.

    7.Process all payment transactions in a timely, accurate and efficient manner according to established procedures.

    8.Maintain knowledge of all comp and coupon policies

    9.Process and pay out tips at the end of each shift according to tip out practices.

    10.Assist with guest concerns informing manager on duty as appropriate.

    11.Maintain knowledge of property outlets, special events, concerts and promotions

    12.Offer a cordial farewell and thank guests for dining upon departure

    13.Address guest concerns and or complaints in a timely and professional manner

    14.Regular predictable attendance is required.

    15.Knowledgeable of and consistently follow Nugget policies and procedures as well as appropriate local, state and federal regulations.

    16.Communicate effectively with all levels of the Nugget team and guests.

    17.Perform work in a safe manner and maintain a safe environment for team member and guests.

    18.Immediately report unsafe conditions and team member or guest incidents to a member of the management team or Security.

    19.Maintain a positive and professional image when performing duties or representing the Nugget and encourage others to do the same.

    20.Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.


    REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Restaurant Manager

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

    Minimum 21 years of age.

    EDUCATION LEVEL:

    High School diploma or equivalent is required.

    LANGUAGE:

    Effectively communicate with others both verbally and in written form using the English language.

    EXPERIENCE:

    Previous money handling and guest service in a high-volume outlet required.

    LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

    Alcohol Awareness Certification required.

    Company DescriptionNugget Casino Resort in Reno began operations in 1955 as a coffee shop across the street from our present location. Throughout the years, the Nugget has become a premier Hotel/Casino Resort in the Reno/Tahoe area. We have over 1,500 rooms, eight award-winning restaurants, 110,000 square feet of convention space, a world-class spa and over 2,000 employees.

    Today, the resort offers a competitive benefits package in a fun and friendly setting. We have a sterling reputation for the friendliest employees in the industry, who strive to provide the very best in guest services. Work for the best, come to the Nugget!
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find server and hostesses for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your server and hostess job on Zippia to find and recruit server and hostess candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit server and hostesses, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new server and hostess

    Once you've found the server and hostess candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new server and hostess. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a server and hostess?

Hiring a server and hostess comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting server and hostesses involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of server and hostess recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Server and hostesses earn a median yearly salary is $28,020 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find server and hostesses for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $10 and $17.

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