Looking for a fun way to earn money while entertaining crowds? Trivia hosting might be for you. Trivia hosts lead engaging quiz nights at bars, restaurants, and private events, earning $20–$35 per hour or $50–$250 per night. The job involves asking questions, managing scores, and keeping the crowd energized. Many hosts work with companies or independently, with venues reporting up to $4,000 in revenue on trivia nights.
Here’s how to get started:
- Search for Jobs: Use job boards like Indeed or reach out directly to local bars and restaurants.
- Skills Needed: Public speaking, crowd management, and basic tech knowledge.
- Tools Required: Laptop, sound system, and trivia question packs (e.g., Cheap Trivia subscriptions for $59.99/month).
- Networking: Build connections with venue managers and promote events on social media.
Trivia hosting offers flexibility, extra income, and the chance to turn quiet weeknights into lively gatherings. Ready to dive in? Start pitching venues or applying online today.
What Trivia Hosts Do
Main Job Duties
Trivia hosts mix entertainment with game management to create engaging trivia nights. They handle the flow of the game, keep track of scores, operate equipment, play music, and present questions in a lively way. A successful event depends on their ability to energize the crowd while ensuring everything runs smoothly, from technical setups to accurate scoring.
"All you have to do is set up your equipment, read the questions the company sends to you, play some music, and keep score. I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to every show." - Trivia Jockey, Pembroke Pines FL
Where Trivia Hosts Work
Trivia hosts can be found in bars, pubs, restaurants, craft breweries, and private events across the U.S. They may work independently or through a company, with pay varying based on the arrangement. Hosts working for companies typically earn $20–35 per hour, while independent hosts often charge higher rates.
Thor Dollar, the owner of Hammered Trivia, shares that a typical game involves about 20 teams with 4–5 players each. With 100 people spending $20–40 per night, venues can generate $2,000–4,000 in revenue during trivia events.
Required Skills
To succeed, trivia hosts need a mix of public speaking skills, quick thinking, and crowd management. Key abilities include projecting their voice clearly, managing time effectively, and being comfortable with audio and digital tools.
"You have to be able to read. You have to be loud and clear and able to project your voice. It's really public speaking at the end of the day."
Many trivia hosts come from backgrounds in theater, radio, podcasting, or communications. Employers look for individuals with engaging personalities who are reliable, punctual, and professional. Casey Wyatt from Hammered Trivia highlights the importance of adaptability, while Thor Dollar adds:
"You do not have to be a whiz kid to have a good time. A good host is really quick thinking, energetic and fun. You're the host of the party, so you should be having fun."
Finding Local Trivia Host Jobs
Job Search Methods
Searching for trivia hosting jobs takes a bit of planning. Big job boards like Indeed often list trivia host roles, especially in larger cities. Set up custom alerts with keywords like "trivia host," "trivia jockey," or "game host" to stay updated on new opportunities.
For example, Challenge Entertainment hired over 50 new Trivia Jockeys across the U.S. in 2024, with 70% of them reporting extra income within their first three months. Beyond online searches, reaching out to local venues directly can also uncover opportunities.
Direct Outreach
Contacting local venues directly is another smart way to land trivia hosting gigs. Thor Dollar, the owner of Hammered Trivia in Raleigh, N.C., grew his business from 4 to 22 locations by pitching directly to venues. When reaching out, focus on the financial benefits trivia nights can bring.
"Some of the places where we host trivia, it's their busiest night of the week. Busier than Friday or Saturday. People are there three hours on average and some stay after (trivia) and keep spending money." - Thor Dollar, Owner of Hammered Trivia
Here are some key stats to mention:
- Customer spending: $20–$40 per person
- Typical attendance: 20 teams of 4–5 players
- Event revenue potential: $2,000–$4,000
- Average customer stay: 3 hours
Social Media Job Search
Social media can also be a great resource for finding trivia host jobs. Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram are particularly useful:
- Facebook Groups: Look for local entertainment or hospitality groups.
- LinkedIn: Connect with event planning companies and venue managers.
- Instagram: Follow bars and entertainment venues in your area.
Engaging with these platforms not only helps you find immediate openings but can also build valuable professional connections for the future.
Trivia Hosting Best Practices
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Tools and Resources for Hosts
To thrive as a trivia host, having the right tools and resources is essential. Here's a breakdown of what you need to succeed.
Job Sites and Companies
Cheap Trivia is a go-to platform for trivia hosts, offering pre-made trivia packs on topics like movies, sports, holidays, and pop culture. Their Monthly Trivia Subscription costs $59.99/month and includes over 40 questions weekly, formatted in both PDF and PowerPoint.
Here’s what they provide:
- Weekly subscription content with three standard rounds and one picture round
- Themed trivia packs available for $14.99 each
- Custom marketing materials to promote your events
- Assistance with venue coordination
These options make it easier to organize and host engaging trivia nights.
Equipment and Materials
A smooth trivia night depends on reliable equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A laptop or similar device to display questions
- A sound system for clear audio
- Printed answer sheets for participants
- Backup materials to handle any unexpected issues
Challenge Entertainment highlights that hosts should also have dependable transportation, an active cell phone, and a laptop to ensure everything runs smoothly. Testing your equipment beforehand is a must - being prepared keeps your events running without a hitch.
Training Options
Challenge Entertainment offers detailed training programs to help hosts succeed.
"We'll train you and give you step-by-step guidelines on how to run a show, teach you the rules of the game and even give you tips on how to keep the audience engaged." – Challenge Entertainment
Many trivia hosts also enhance their skills through public speaking courses, audience engagement workshops, and game management seminars. Backgrounds in theater, radio, podcasting, or communications are common among successful hosts. With the right training and tools, you can create unforgettable trivia experiences.
Growing Your Hosting Career
Building Your Brand
Developing a hosting style that stands out is key to long-term success. Use Cheap Trivia's question packs to deliver content with energy and enthusiasm.
Here are a few essentials for your hosting style:
- Strong voice projection paired with an engaging tone
- Steady pacing to keep the event flowing smoothly
- Professional appearance that matches the venue's vibe
- Memorable catchphrases or signature segments to make your events unique
Cheap Trivia's ready-to-use PowerPoint presentations can help you refine your delivery. Add a personal touch with custom team introductions or themed bonus rounds. For $59.99 per month, you’ll receive fresh content weekly, freeing up your time to focus on perfecting your presentation instead of crafting questions.
A solid brand not only enhances your events but also opens doors to valuable industry connections.
Making Industry Connections
Strong relationships in the industry can lead to more hosting opportunities. Build a professional social media presence to showcase your trivia events, connect with players, and engage with your audience on platforms they frequent.
Some effective networking tips include:
- Sharing photos of winning teams to boost engagement
- Building relationships with venue managers and staff
- Using social media to promote upcoming games
- Collecting testimonials from players and venue owners to showcase your value
As your network grows, keeping track of your progress is just as important.
Measuring Success
Track these key metrics to gauge your events' performance:
| KPI | What to Track | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Weekly player count | Shows how popular your events are |
| Revenue | Earnings per event | Helps you negotiate better rates |
| Player Retention | Percentage of returning teams | Indicates event quality and loyalty |
| Social Engagement | Follows and shares | Measures the impact of your marketing |
Gather feedback from players on:
- The difficulty of questions
- Preferred topics
- Game format and pacing
- Overall entertainment experience
To encourage regular attendance, consider hosting monthly competitions with cumulative points. Partner with venue managers to create prize structures that motivate players while ensuring events remain profitable.
Conclusion
Trivia hosting can be a fun and lucrative career, with hosts typically earning between $50 and $250 per night or hourly rates of $20–$35 offered by some companies. Its mix of flexibility and entertainment makes it a great option for anyone looking for a side hustle or even a full-time role.
The key to success lies in refining your hosting skills and growing your career strategically. By creating engaging experiences and fostering strong relationships with venues, you can turn slow weeknights into thriving events while advancing your professional goals.
To take your trivia hosting career to the next level, focus on delivering dynamic, engaging presentations and building a solid knowledge base. Pair that with proper preparation and enthusiasm, and you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career that entertains both you and your audience.
Ready to get started? Approach venues to showcase your hosting style, whether it's at bars, restaurants, or private events. Opportunities are out there - your next trivia hosting gig could be just one conversation away.
FAQs
How can I get started as a trivia host in my local area?
Starting a career as a trivia host is exciting and straightforward! Begin by researching companies or organizations in your area that host trivia events, especially at bars or entertainment venues. Most companies require you to submit an application, and some may ask you to complete a short video or written questionnaire to showcase your personality and communication skills.
Typically, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, owning a reliable laptop, and having dependable transportation. Once accepted, you may go through an interview and training process to prepare for hosting events. Focus on building strong public speaking skills and engaging with your audience to excel in this role!
How can I promote myself to local venues as a trivia host?
To promote yourself effectively as a trivia host, focus on showcasing your skills and personality. Highlight your ability to engage and entertain a crowd, as well as any relevant experience, such as public speaking, theater, or event hosting.
Reach out to local bars, restaurants, or entertainment venues directly. When pitching your services, emphasize how your trivia events can attract more customers, create a lively atmosphere, and boost repeat business. Be professional, but let your enthusiasm and creativity shine through to make a lasting impression.
What equipment and tools do I need to host a successful trivia night?
To host a successful trivia night, you'll need some basic equipment based on your chosen format:
- Pen-and-paper trivia: Stock up on pens and plenty of paper for teams to write down their answers.
- Tablet-based trivia: Make sure you have fully charged tablets ready for use.
- Smartphone-based trivia: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a platform or app for players to join the game.
Additionally, you'll need a good microphone and speaker system to engage the crowd, as well as a laptop or device for managing questions and scores. A fun, energetic attitude is also key to creating a memorable experience!