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
Other Professional Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
Information, Culture & Recreation
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
65+
55-64
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.This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 760, 1575 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
(902) 875-8640
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.