Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be good for Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses (64300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Following a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2022, the Island’s tourism sector experienced another solid season in 2023 with considerable gains in tourist traffic (particularly by way of the Confederation Bridge and air). Furthermore, the Island welcomed a record number of cruise ships in 2023 which generated significant economic spin-offs in the sector. Tourism activity is expected to be favourable over the forecast period, however, risk factors such as elevated prices and high interest rates may temper growth.

Risk factors that could soften employment demand in this occupation include high inflation and high interest rates, which could reduce consumer spending on non-essential goods and services. 

Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses is expected to experience a high degree of turnover as this is mostly an entry-level position with minimal training requirements and a relatively young workforce. Therefore, a steady number of job openings will likely arise as workers leave to find alternative employment. 

Hosts/hostesses are typically only required at mealtimes, meaning that most workers in this occupation work part-time schedules. While some jobs are advertised, job seekers may also find employment by providing unsolicited resumes to employers. Opportunities will be best for candidates with experience in the full-service restaurant industry, and who are willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Here are some key facts about Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 250 people work in this occupation.
• Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): more than 95%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 20% compared to 84% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 80% compared to 16% for all occupations
• 13% of maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses work all year, while 87% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 26 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 43% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: n/a
  • bachelor’s degree: n/a
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages