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Hostess Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

Host

Geneseo, NY · On-site

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

Host

Webster, NY · On-site

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

Host

Fairport, NY · On-site

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

Host

Fairport, NY · On-site

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... Hostess, you will be responsible for greeting guests and seating them promptly, cheerfully and courteously. Duties of this position include, seating guests, answering the phone, taking, entering and ...

Host

Geneseo, NY · On-site

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

... HOSTESS REQUIREMENTS: * Must be at least 17 years old * Eligible to work in the United States * Team-oriented with a passion to succeed OUR PRINCIPLES: * Respect your team; treat them as you would ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

$16 - $19.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Olive Garden rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,024 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

  $16.00 per hour - $19.25 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!)
  • State Benefits Overview


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


Olive Garden logo

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