Job prospects Host/hostess, Food Service near Charlottetown (PE)

Over the past few years (2022-2024), there was a labour shortage for Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses near Charlottetown (PE). There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be Moderate for maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses (NOC 64300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

The demand for workers in this occupation is influenced by economic conditions and business activity. Prince Edward Island's economy is projected to expand at a modest pace over the forecast horizon, constrained by slower population growth and ongoing trade uncertainties. Declining interest rates are expected to further support domestic spending and housing demand. However, the federal reduction in immigration targets has led to a marked decline in international arrivals, a slowdown that is anticipated to moderate consumer demand and labour force growth. Over the longer term, reduced immigration presents a key risk to the province's economic outlook.  

There were considerable gains in tourist traffic in 2025 as well as another strong cruise ship season which generated significant economic spin-offs in the sector. Looking forward, the Island's tourism sector is expected to maintain its momentum thanks in part to a new five-year growth strategy introduced in 2024. The plan aims to expand tourism activity in the province and generate more visitor traffic during the shoulder and winter seasons. This in turn should contribute to improved job prospects over the forecast period.

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 300 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 Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology