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Hostess Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... Hostess: * Greeting guests as they enter and seating them to the appropriate table * Answering phone calls for reservations, customers questions and take-out orders * Providing and cashing out take ...

... Hostess: * Greeting guests as they enter and seating them to the appropriate table * Answering phone calls for reservations, customers questions and take-out orders * Providing and cashing out take ...

Host/Hostess

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $32/hr

... Hostess is the first and last person guests will see when they enter and leave the restaurant. Responsibilities include greeting guests, assigning tables, answering phones and any questions guests ...

... Hostess, you'll never be bored. You'll be responsible for greeting and seating Denny's beloved Guests! At Denny's, our positions offer flexible scheduling and competitive pay in a safe & sanitized ...

... Hostess, you'll never be bored. You'll be responsible for greeting and seating Denny's beloved Guests! At Denny's, our positions offer flexible scheduling and competitive pay in a safe & sanitized ...

... Hostess, you'll never be bored. You'll be responsible for greeting and seating Denny's beloved Guests! At Denny's, our positions offer flexible scheduling and competitive pay in a safe & sanitized ...

... Hostess, you'll never be bored. You'll be responsible for greeting and seating Denny's beloved Guests! At Denny's, our positions offer flexible scheduling and competitive pay in a safe & sanitized ...

Host

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/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

Victor, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY

$16 - $19.25/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

Rochester, NY

$16 - $19.25/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

Victor, NY

$16 - $19.25/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

Victor, NY

$16 - $19.25/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 ...

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Hostess information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do hostess jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hostess in Rochester, NY 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.

Is a hostess a hard job?

A hostess job involves greeting and seating guests, managing reservations, and providing customer service in a fast-paced environment. It requires good communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle busy periods, but it is generally considered an entry-level position with moderate physical and social demands.

What is the difference between Hostess vs Waitstaff?

AspectHostessWaitstaff
Primary RoleGreets and seats guests, manages reservationsServes food and beverages, takes orders
Required SkillsCustomer service, communication, organizationCustomer service, multitasking, menu knowledge
Work EnvironmentFront of house, reception areaDining area, service stations
Common CertificationsNone required, but hospitality experience helpfulFood handler permits may be required

While both Hostess and Waitstaff work in the hospitality industry, the Hostess primarily manages guest seating and reservations, acting as the first point of contact. The Waitstaff focuses on serving food and drinks, ensuring customer satisfaction during the meal. Both roles require excellent customer service skills, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is a hostess?

Hostesses are hospitality professionals responsible for greeting guests as they enter restaurants, events, or other venues. They manage reservations, seat guests, provide menus, and ensure guests feel welcome and comfortable. Hostesses often coordinate with servers and other staff to maintain smooth operations and may assist with customer inquiries or special requests. Their primary goal is to create a positive first impression and help deliver excellent customer service.

What qualifications do you need to be a hostess?

To be a hostess, strong communication and customer service skills are essential, along with a friendly demeanor and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Many employers prefer candidates who are at least 16 years old and have previous experience in hospitality or customer service, though specific requirements can vary by establishment.

How does a hostess get paid?

A hostess typically earns an hourly wage, which may include tips from customers. Some establishments also offer a fixed salary or a combination of both, and pay rates can vary based on experience, location, and the restaurant's policies.

What does a hostess do?

A host or hostess is the face of the restaurant, often positioned near the entrance. They greet guests when they arrive at the restaurant, seat them at a table, and provide them with menus. As the first and often the last employee that patrons see, the host's or hostess’s primary responsibility is to provide excellent customer service throughout their shift. Welcoming guests with a smile, informing them of their wait time for a table, and checking on them regularly to make sure they are receiving efficient service from their servers are all essential duties for this position. The host or hostess also distributes patrons evenly among the wait staff to ensure a fair workload for employees and enables guests to be served their meals and drinks quickly.

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

To thrive as a Hostess, you need strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and a customer-focused mindset, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with reservation software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and basic computer skills is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating a positive first impression, efficiently managing guest flow, and ensuring smooth restaurant operations.

What are some common challenges a hostess might face during busy shifts, and how can they be managed?

During peak hours, hostesses often encounter challenges such as managing long waitlists, handling impatient guests, and coordinating efficiently with servers and kitchen staff. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication, and remaining calm under pressure are crucial for success. Most restaurants provide training on reservation systems and customer service skills to help hostesses navigate busy shifts effectively and ensure a positive guest experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY? For Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Hostess jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Hostess jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Hostess job openings:
Infographic showing various Hostess job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,096 per year, or $14 per hour.

Evening Host/Hostess

Mamma G's

Rochester, NY • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Main Responsibilities of a Host - Hostess:
  • Greeting guests as they enter and seating them to the appropriate table
  • Answering phone calls for reservations, customers questions and take-out orders
  • Providing and cashing out take-out orders
Host - Hostess Job Description:

We are looking for a host - hostess to fill a vacant spot in our front of the house staff and contribute to the overall excellence of our restaurant.

The person we are hoping to employ is first and foremost an organized, customer-oriented individual who is willing to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us provide our customers with the best authentic Italian dining experience.

A good candidate for this job is a person with attention to detail who can provide great customer service both in person and over the phone in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of the menu, positive attitude, ability to work well under pressure while positively engaging with customers and other team members complete the figure.

Other responsibilities of a Host - Hostess:
  • Maintaining an organized front of the house with take-out orders
  • Answering any initial questions from our customers both in person and over the phone
  • Engaging with guests to ensure they are happy with food and service
  • Managing the reservation list assigning tables to reservation as well as managing walk-in customers and wait list
  • Responding to complaints and helping to resolve them
  • Helping out with other positions in the restaurant as needed

Host - Hostess Job Requirements:

  • Ability to provide top-notch customer service in a fast-paced environment
  • Possess a positive attitude and ability to work well under pressure with all restaurant staff
  • Follow instruction and ask questions for clarifications if needed
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long period of times
  • Ability to handle money accurately and work with a point-of-sale system
  • Previous restaurant job experience a plus but not necessary

Mamma G's is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant in Rochester, NY conveniently located near the expressway. We offer a variety of authentic Italian dishes for dine-in or takeout. We have something for everyone – from Italian paninis to pasta to fish and chips. Join our family at Mamma G’s for lunch or dinner.