Hosts and Hostesses Salary Guide 2025: Median $31,200, Top States Pay $47,000
The median salary for hosts and hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops is $31,200 per year, or about $15 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% earn up to $43,990, while the bottom 10% make around $22,340. With 432,690 people employed in this role nationwide, it's a common entry point into the food service industry.
How much Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop earn
The national mean wage for hosts and hostesses is $32,690, but most earn between $22,340 and $43,990. Pay varies widely by location, experience, and establishment type.
Entry-level positions often start at minimum wage or slightly above, but experienced hosts at high-end venues can push into the top percentiles. Tips can supplement hourly pay in many states.
- Median annual wage: $31,200 ($15.00/hour)
- 10th percentile: $22,340
- 90th percentile: $43,990
- Mean annual wage: $32,690
Pay by state
Hawaii pays hosts the most, with an average salary of $47,070. Oregon ranks second at $40,720, followed by D.C. ($37,570), Washington ($37,270), and Maine ($36,800).
The lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($21,990), Louisiana ($22,060), and Wyoming ($22,660). These states typically have lower cost of living and fewer high-end establishments.
How to become Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
This job typically requires no formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard, often lasting a few days to a few weeks.
Key skills include customer service, communication, organization, and basic math for managing reservations. Some states require food handler cards or alcohol server permits, but there's no national certification.
- High school diploma or equivalent typically required
- On-the-job training lasting up to several weeks
- Customer service experience is helpful but not always required
- Optional: Food handler or alcohol server certification (state-dependent)
Job outlook
Employment for hosts and hostesses is projected to decline by 1.5% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 6,500 jobs. However, roughly 107,700 openings per year are expected due to workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
The decline is driven by automation (e.g., digital check-in kiosks) and slower growth in the restaurant industry. Competition for jobs may be higher in desirable locations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average hourly wage for a host or hostess?
The mean hourly wage is about $15.00, based on the national median salary of $31,200. Actual pay varies by state and establishment.
What are the top-paying states for hosts and hostesses?
Hawaii ($47,070), Oregon ($40,720), District of Columbia ($37,570), Washington ($37,270), and Maine ($36,800) pay the highest average salaries.
Is becoming a host or hostess a dying career?
Employment is expected to decline 1.5% over ten years, but over 100,000 openings per year mean there will still be many opportunities, especially for entry-level workers.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop data.