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Host Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Host

Lafayette, CA ยท On-site

HOST REQUIREMENTS: 1. Must be able to stand, walk, and stay on his/her feet for prolonged periods of time. This could be up to four hours without a break period to sit down. 2. Must be able to write ...

Host/Hostess

Pismo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Host/Hostess - The Cliffs Hotel & Spa The Cliffs Hotel & Spa is the premier oceanfront hotel on the Central Coast. Come to work every day to beautiful ocean views of Pismo Beach! Be part of a team ...

Host/Hostess

Pismo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

Host/Hostess - The Cliffs Hotel & Spa The Cliffs Hotel & Spa is the premier oceanfront hotel on the Central Coast. Come to work every day to beautiful ocean views of Pismo Beach! Be part of a team ...

Host

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

SUMMARY The Host greets, seats and offers a parting comment to all guests, answers the phone and maintains sanitation, safety and cleanliness standards in their work area. The Host processes and ...

Host

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impression for our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive until they ...

Host

Pinole, CA ยท On-site

The Original Mels is looking for experienced Hosts at our 24-hour Pinole location. Applicants must be available to work weekends and nights. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant, serving ...

Host

Whittier, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

The Host processes and packages take-out orders. The Host answers guest's questions, responds to guest requests and assists servers in clearing plates and re-filling beverages when the restaurant is ...

Host

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$17.75/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impression for our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive until they ...

Host

Canoga Park, CA

$18.42 - $19/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impression for our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive until they ...

Host

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Lure Fish House is hiring Hosts. We are looking for individuals who want to work and be a part of a great team. Lure Fish House is a family-owned restaurant featuring fresh and sustainable seafood ...

Host

Pinole, CA ยท On-site

The Original Mels is looking for experienced Hosts at our 24-hour Pinole location. Applicants must be available to work weekends and nights. This is a high volume, fast paced restaurant, serving ...

Host

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Lure Fish House is hiring Hosts. We are looking for individuals who want to work and be a part of a great team. Lure Fish House is a family-owned restaurant featuring fresh and sustainable seafood ...

Host/Hostess

Pismo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$16.90/hr

Host/Hostess - The Cliffs Hotel & SpaThe Cliffs Hotel & Spa is the premier oceanfront hotel on the Central Coast. Come to work every day to beautiful ocean views of Pismo Beach! Be part of a team ...

Host

Santa Barbara, CA ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Lure Fish House is hiring Hosts. We are looking for individuals who want to work and be a part of a great team. Lure Fish House is a family-owned restaurant featuring fresh and sustainable seafood ...

Host / Hostess / Guest Services Reports To: Floor Manager / Assistant General Manager / General Manager Department: Front of House - Guest Services Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt About Jose ...

Host

Ontario, CA

$16 - $19/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impressionfor our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive untilthey leave.

Host

Victorville, CA ยท On-site

$15/hr

SUMMARY The Host greets, seats and offers a parting comment to all guests, answers the phone and maintains sanitation, safety and cleanliness standards in their work area. The Host processes and ...

Host

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impressionfor our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive untilthey leave.

Host

Whittier, CA ยท On-site

$16/hr

The Host processes and packages take-out orders. The Host answers guest's questions, responds to guest requests and assists servers in clearing plates and re-filling beverages when the restaurant is ...

Host

Torrance, CA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Host/Hostess, you will be the first and last impressionfor our guests, ensuring they feel welcome from the moment they arrive untilthey leave.

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Showing results 1-20

Host information

See California salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do host jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for host in California is $13.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a host do?

A Host in a restaurant is responsible for greeting guests as they arrive, managing reservations, and seating customers in a timely and organized manner. They are often the first point of contact for guests and play a key role in creating a positive first impression. Hosts also help manage the waitlist, answer phones, and sometimes assist with other front-of-house tasks. Their main goal is to ensure guests have a smooth and pleasant dining experience from the moment they enter the restaurant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a host, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Host, you need strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and basic knowledge of customer service principles, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with reservation and seating management systems, such as OpenTable or Resy, is commonly required. Exceptional communication, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help create a positive guest experience. These skills ensure efficient guest flow, high customer satisfaction, and smooth operation in busy hospitality environments.

How does a host typically collaborate with other restaurant staff during a busy shift?

As a Host, you play a central role in ensuring smooth operations by working closely with servers, bussers, and kitchen staff. You coordinate seating plans and communicate wait times to guests, while also relaying important information to servers, such as large parties or special requests. During peak hours, teamwork and clear communication are essential to manage guest flow, minimize wait times, and provide a positive dining experience. This collaborative environment helps you build strong relationships with your team and develop essential interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Host vs Waitstaff?

AspectHostWaitstaff
Primary RoleGreet guests, manage reservations, seat customersTake orders, serve food and drinks, assist guests at tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, organization, communicationCustomer service, multitasking, menu knowledge
Work EnvironmentFront entrance, reception areaDining area, service stations
Common CertificationsNone typically requiredFood handler permits, alcohol service certification

While both hosts and waitstaff work in restaurant settings and focus on customer service, hosts primarily manage guest seating and reservations, whereas waitstaff take orders and serve food. Both roles require strong communication skills, but waitstaff often need specific food service certifications. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations in the hospitality industry.

How to get hired as a host?

To get hired as a host, candidates should have strong communication and customer service skills, previous experience in hospitality or customer-facing roles is beneficial, and many employers prefer candidates who are friendly, organized, and able to handle fast-paced environments. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some positions may require knowledge of reservation systems or POS tools. Applying with a well-prepared resume and demonstrating a positive attitude during interviews can improve chances of hiring.

What are the jobs of a host?

A host is responsible for greeting and seating guests, managing reservations, and ensuring a positive dining experience. They often handle customer inquiries, coordinate with staff, and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the host stand or reception area.

What do hosts get paid?

Hosts typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from minimum wage to around $15-$20 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and experience. Some hosts also receive tips, which can significantly increase their total earnings, especially in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. Pay rates may vary based on the employer and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

What are the most commonly searched types of Host jobs in California?

The most popular types of Host jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Host jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Host jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Host jobs?

Cities in California with the most Host job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Host jobs in CA?

For Host jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Host job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,090 per year, or $14 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

MAIN FUNCTIONS: Responsible for greeting all guests in a professional, friendly and family oriented
way before, during and after the meal period.
HOST REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be able to stand, walk, and stay on his/her feet for prolonged periods of time. This could be
up to four hours without a break period to sit down.
2. Must be able to write (take names from guests) to Guest Waiting Pad, and utilize electronic Guest
Paging system -- that requires repetitive motion.
3. Must be courteous, smile frequently, and express cheerful disposition at all times.
4. Must be able to engage guests in friendly, warm and light conversation.
5. Must be able to multi-task (including use of communication via a radio head set), and control
crowds of guests coming through door and waiting to be seated, in friendly manner.
HOST RESPONSIBILITIES:
Be punctual to begin your work
Wear proper uniform (Batch & Brine tee-shirt, non-tattered jeans, and slip-proof black restaurant
shoes) at all times
Maintain a neat, clean appearance at all times
Wear and communicate through Radio headset at all times during work shift
Always ask Guests if they enjoyed their meals and always thank them and ask them to return
Maintain menu inventory
Pick up the correct number of menus, engage Guests in friendly conversation
Walk at appropriate pace for the Guests and say: รขโ‚ฌล“Right this way, pleaseรขโ‚ฌ
When they arrive at the table, pull out one chair and after everyone is seated, give a menu to
each guest and say: (Server Name) will be serving you today, announce the special and tell them
to enjoy their breakfast/lunch/dinner
Collect menus each time returning to the Host station and call for bussing of any dirty tables or
spills and debris
Always call for clean up of dirty windows, debris under tables, and dirty seats
BUSY-DAYS HOSTS -- THREE-DISTINCT ROLES:
(1) รขโ‚ฌล“Podium Hostรขโ‚ฌ never leaves the podium station. The Podium Host greets all Guests, records
their tables and seating needs, communicates with the Floor Manager, with the รขโ‚ฌล“Scout Hostรขโ‚ฌ and
with the รขโ‚ฌล“Runner Hostรขโ‚ฌ regarding table needs and calling for the Runner Host to come seat the
Guests. The Podium Host also thanks all Guests who are exiting the restaurant and invites them to
return. The Podium Host is responsible for assuring that the Guests waiting area and all entry
windows are clean and free of debris. The Podium Host uses electronic Guest Paging System and
Guests Waiting Log to keep track of guestรขโ‚ฌ's traffic.
(2) รขโ‚ฌล“Scout Hostรขโ‚ฌ never leaves the dining room floor. The Scout Host roams all areas of the Dining
Room and identifies tables where new guests can be seated. The Scout Host communicates with
Bussers and instructs them on tables to buss, windows to clean, and tables to reserve and
combine together for large parties. A Scout Host informs the Podium Host via Radio headset
when tables are available to signify so that the Podium Host can call the Guests. The Scout Host
assists the Floor Manager with table touching to assure that all Guests are happy. The Scout Host
uses electronic Guest Paging System and Radio headset to communicate with Podium Host on
table availability and status.
(3) รขโ‚ฌล“Runner Hostรขโ‚ฌ works between the Dining Room floor and the podium station. A Runner Host
never stands idle behind the Podium Host. The Runner Host approaches the podium only when
the Podium Host calls for a Host to come seat a Guest. Anytime a Runner Host is not seating
Guests, the Runner Host should be assisting with table touching, helping to refill water, coffee
and ice tea, helping to buss tables and clean windows, and help to set up tables for large parties.
The Runner Host uses Radio headset to communicate with Podium Host, Scout Host and Bussers.
NON-BUSY DAYS HOSTS:
On less busy days when three Hosts are not scheduled, the Host performs all functions of the
Podium, Scout and Runner hosts as needed.
Coordinate the turnover of tables with Floor Manager and Bussers
Help greet guests as they enter the restaurant in a friendly manner, make eye contact and say:
รขโ‚ฌล“Good morning/afternoon/Evening, number of guests for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
Assist with restroom cleaning and restocking
Helps with the cleanliness of the entire dining area, including entry doors
If a complaint arises, handle it professionally by listening, being helpful and polite. (Remember,
the customer is always right.) Always notify a Floor Supervisor or Manager
Complete any other assigned tasks willingly as designated by management