Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses

Overview

Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses greet patrons and escort them to tables, and supervise and coordinate the activities of food and beverage servers. They are employed in restaurants, hotel dining rooms, private clubs, cocktail lounges and similar establishments.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Receive and record patrons' reservations and assign tables

  • Greet patrons and escort them to tables or other seating areas

  • Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, and attend to complaints

  • Order dining room supplies and equipment

  • Inspect dining and serving areas and equipment

  • Supervise and coordinate activities of food and beverage servers and other serving staff

  • Accept payment from patrons for food and beverages

  • Maintain financial statements and records

  • Prepare work schedules and payrolls

  • Interview candidates for food and beverage server positions and train new employees

  • May be responsible for marketing and advertising the dining establishment.

Job titles

  • chief host/hostess - food services
  • dining room host/hostess
  • host/hostess - food service
  • host/hostess - restaurant or cocktail lounge
  • maître d'
  • maître d'hôtel

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$37,541

High

$54,226

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

301

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • Several weeks of on-the-job training are usually required.

  • Maîtres d'hôtel require experience as a formal or captain waiter/waitress or other food service experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

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