Is being a hostess in a restaurant a side gig or a real job?

[Anonymous]

I dont know if being a hostess in a restaurant, especially in Los Angeles is a big deal or if it depends of the type of the restaurant. Do they pay much being one in Los Angeles? Can you live off just by being a hostess in Los Angeles or you must have a second job to live by? What about other US states?

My question is based on a debate some friends and I had the other day when one friend said being a hostess is just a side gig it is not even a career, is just a secondary gig that you can't live just by doing that. Other friends say, being a hostess is a decent job not dishonest is better than being totally unemployed.

Then we were talking about one of our favorite actors ( no mention who it is) who is popular and must earn a lot of money and he is dating a lady (not entertainment related at all) who experience is on the restaurant field. This actor met her while she was hosting at some LA restaurant. Then the lady went on an European trip with the actor months after they met and she was living a good life with him and then when she returned from that trip, she quit her job as a hostess but did not work while living and dating him. But just recently she went back and started to work again and again is a hostess again in another LA restaurant. So back to the question., is being a hostess a good job to earn good money so you can pay your bills, have a maybe second hand car and have extra money for your personal things?

[Anonymous]

No they make baby money… she prolly went back to hosting to get out of the house. Try serving instead.. somewhere fine dining where they have banquets and a good reputation

[Opinion Owner]

If you don’t have serving experience or liquor, beer and wine knowledge, start somewhere more casual and move your way up

[Asker]

So is not a well paid job?

[Opinion Owner]

Go for an interview and ask them about hours you’ll likely get. If the money seems ok to you, then hey

[Opinion Owner]

some hosts get full time hours especially if you become a board runner… I’m thankful for my hosts and treat them respect but I would never host because it wouldn’t pay my bills.. I’m a waitress who takes my job seriously and I’ve been in the biz quite a long time

[exitseven]

many people have this for a full time job.