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 work for restaurants, hotel dining rooms, private clubs, cocktail lounges, and similar businesses.
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 fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. 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 small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major 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
$12.95
Minimum$14.00
Median$18.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,750
Minimum$7,170
Median$19,038
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
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 work for restaurants, hotel dining rooms, private clubs, cocktail lounges, and similar businesses.
Job duties
Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses may perform 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 business.
Sample job titles
- dining room host/hostess
- food service host/hostess
- maître d'
- restaurant host/hostess
Skills
- 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
- 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
$7,782 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$7,936 median annual incomeCape Breton
$5,270 median annual incomeSouthern
$7,937 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Accommodation and food services
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$7,957 median annual incomeLess than high school
$3,043 median annual incomeBachelor
$12,570 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$9,979 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile