Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Riverside, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Riverside, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Menifee, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Menifee, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
San Dimas, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
San Dimas, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Irvine, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Irvine, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Montclair, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Montclair, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Irvine, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
Irvine, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $21/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
San Bernardino, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
San Bernardino, CA · On-site
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host
$16.90 - $20.75/hr
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe ...
Host information
See Riverside, CA salary details
$7.52 - $8.69
1% of jobs
$8.69 - $9.85
2% of jobs
$9.85 - $11.01
9% of jobs
$11.01 - $12.17
12% of jobs
$12.32 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.17 - $13.34
13% of jobs
$13.34 - $14.50
11% of jobs
The median wage is $14.68 / hr.
$14.50 - $15.66
20% of jobs
$16.33 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$15.66 - $16.83
14% of jobs
$16.83 - $17.99
9% of jobs
$17.99 - $19.15
5% of jobs
$19.15 - $20.31
5% of jobs
$7
$14
$20
How much do host jobs pay per hour?
As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for host in Riverside, CA is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 does a Host do in a restaurant?
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 is the difference between Host vs Waitstaff?
| Aspect | Host | Waitstaff |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Greet guests, manage reservations, seat customers | Take orders, serve food and drinks, assist guests at tables |
| Required Skills | Customer service, organization, communication | Customer service, multitasking, menu knowledge |
| Work Environment | Front entrance, reception area | Dining area, service stations |
| Common Certifications | None typically required | Food 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Host jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Host jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Host jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Host job openings:
Olive Garden rating
6.4
Based on 997 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
28th of 85 rated restaurants
Job description
$16.90 per hour - $20.75 per hour
Our Winning Family Starts With You! Check out these great benefits!
- Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc.)
- Free Employee Meal! (limited menu)
- Weekly pay
- Anniversary pay
- Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire)
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service)
- Medical/dental insurance
- Ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles
- Discounts on cellphones, travel, electronics & much more!
- 401(k) savings plan (Company match after 1 year of service)
- Management career advancement opportunities (50%+ of our managers are promoted from hourly positions!)
And much more! Because at Olive Garden, We’re All Family Here!
One key to our success is the high standards we set for ourselves and each other. That includes placing the health and safety of our team members and guests as a top priority. We are committed to the highest safety and sanitation practices, including ensuring team member wellness and maintaining clean restaurants.
As a host at Olive Garden, you create the guests' first and lasting impression. With a warm smile and friendly conversations, our host team members are responsible for creating a welcoming and safe environment for our guests' dining experience. As a host, you will ensure that various guest and team member touch points are regularly sanitized and disinfected. Our hosts take pride in making loyal guests by guiding them to their table, presenting them with clean menus, and offering suggestions to enhance their dining experience. Finally, as a host, you will complete the guests' experience by genuinely thanking them for their visit, wishing them a fond farewell, and inviting them back to our restaurants.
We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family!
#MyOliveGardenFam
What Olive Garden employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Olive Garden
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
At Olive Garden, we know that life is better together and everyone is happiest when they’re with family. From never ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden salad, to our homemade soups and sauces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Olive Garden, we make everyone feel like family and the communities we serve are an extension of that family. That’s why we are committed to supporting these communities in the fight against hunger. Every one of our 900+ restaurants participates in our Harvest program, donating high-quality, wholesome food to local nonprofit partners. We’re also long-term partners with Feeding America®, and since 2017, the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of our parent company, has donated more than $16.3 million on behalf of our family of restaurants to support Feeding America member food banks across all 50 states. As part of these ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Olive Garden has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in communities where food insecurity rates are disproportionately high. Through grants from the Darden Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, 35 Feeding America food banks in 35 different parts of the country received a 26-foot refrigerated box truck to help increase address transportation needs and give access to nutritious food for those who need it most.
Industry
Food and beverage stores and restaurants
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Orlando, FL, US