Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses
(NOC 6511)
in All Sales and ServiceMaîtres 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.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses most commonly work part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 10% of Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $22,009. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$12.50
Median$17.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,750
Minimum$7,170
Median$19,038
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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.
Job duties
Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses perform some or all of the following duties:
- Receive and record patrons' reservations and assign tables.
- Greet patrons at entrance of dining room, restaurant, or lounge and escort them to tables or other seating areas.
- Speak with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service, and attend to complaints.
- Order necessary 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 beverage.
- Maintain financial statements and records and ensure safe-keeping.
- 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.
Sample job titles
- dining room host/hostess
- food service host/hostess
- maître d'
- restaurant host/hostess
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should be friendly, well-spoken, well-groomed, and enthusiastic about the service. Good organizational and mathematical skills are necessary. You must be pleasant to both your customers and co-workers, even when working under pressure. Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses are on their feet most of the time requiring physical fitness and stamina. For some positions, knowledge of a second language is an asset.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Several weeks of on-the-job training are usually required.
Other considerations
These jobs are heavily influenced by tourism activity; therefore, employment levels tend to vary throughout the year and peak in the summer months. Also, many job openings are created each year as workers in these positions change jobs. However, due to the limited entry requirements, there are often many people available to fill these positions. They may work 40 hours or more per week, and many are expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Maîtres d'hôtel require experience as a formal or captain waiter/waitress or other food service experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and Food Services
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Professional Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$10,758 median annual incomeLess than high school
$6,971 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$11,580 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$14,724 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$14,863 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.