Host/Hostess Salary in the United States

The average Host/Hostess salary in the United States is $30,750 per year + tips. Find out how to negotiate higher pay by exploring the following:

• Restaurant Host/Hostess salary trends in recent years
• Factors that affect salary ranges for this role
• Tips on how to go about salary negotiations

Fortunately, this guide has all the above information plus other insights you’ll need to maximize your earnings.

While you're at it, try out our comparison tool below, which lets you compare your current or desired Host/Hostess salary with those in major U.S. cities.

How Much Do Restaurant Hosts/Hostesses Make?

As mentioned, Hosts and Hostesses working in the U.S. earn an average of $30,750 base plus tips per year. However, some Hosts and Hostesses can earn as little as $21,530 (10th percentile) a year, while others may earn as much as $38,830 (90th percentile) a year.

[Source: BLS]

If you find yourself in the 90th percentile, you're making more than 90% of all Hosts and Hostesses in the U.S. On the flip side, being in the 10th percentile means you're earning less than 90% of the group.

Host/Hostess Salary by Year

The following chart illustrates the growth of Host/Hostess salaries from 2018 to 2023. We can see the average salary has increased by approximately 32.21% from $23,260 in 2018 to $30,750 in 2023.

[Source: BLS] 

How Much Does a Host/Hostess Make per Hour?

The average base hourly wage for a restaurant Host/Hostess in the U.S. is $14.78.

How Much Does a Host/Hostess Make Monthly?

The average base monthly salary for Hosts and Hostesses in the U.S. is $2,562.5.

How Much Does a Host/Hostess Make Weekly?

The average weekly salary for Hosts and Hostesses in the U.S. is $591.35.

Host/Hostess Salary by State or District

By looking at Host and Hostess salaries across the United States, you'll get a better understanding of regional differences in compensation. Here's a map that shows the different salary ranges for this position across different states and districts.

[Source: BLS]

Hosts and Hostesses in Washington ($41,630), the District of Columbia ($40,940) and Hawaii ($40,350) earn the highest average salaries, while those in Montana ($23,570), Alabama ($23,130) and Mississippi ($21,930) earn the lowest.

Host/Hostess Salary in Major US Cities

Out of the four cities listed below, Los Angeles pays Hosts and Hostesses the most ($39,570), followed by New York City, Chicago and Miami.

[Source: BLS]

Factors Affecting a Host/Hostess Pay

Besides the location, several other factors affect the average pay for Hosts and Hostesses in the hospitality sector:

Type of Establishment

Restaurants that are busy or high end normally pay more due to steady customer flow and potential for larger tips.

Experience Level

Seasoned Hosts and Hostesses who have honed their customer service skills over time often command higher salaries. Those salaries reflect their ability to manage guest seating arrangements and address guest inquiries effectively.

Customer Satisfaction Metrics

Ensuring customer satisfaction through service and creating a welcoming environment can result in increased tips and potential salary increases for Hosts and Hostesses.

Additional Responsibilities

Hosts and Hostesses who take on extra responsibilities, such as training new staff, managing reservations or helping with special events, may receive higher paychecks.

Shift Availability

Hosts and Hostesses who are able to work evenings, weekends and events or holidays may have more opportunities to collect tips.

Estimate Your Take-Home Pay

If you work as a Host or Hostess in the U.S. try out our Paycheck Calculator to see what the take-home pay is in your state. Whether you're compensated hourly or on a fixed salary basis, our calculator will help you accurately determine your earnings.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Hosts and Hostesses

Negotiating salary is pretty stressful, but it's an essential part of the job search process. Here are some tips to help you prepare for salary negotiation:

• Research market rates: Before entering negotiations, research the average salary range for Host/Hostess positions in your area and type of establishment.
• Highlight your skills and experience: During negotiations, emphasize your relevant experience, customer service skills and qualifications or certifications you bring to the table.
• Be prepared to discuss benefits: Besides the base salary, you should also consider other benefits such as meal discounts, health care plans or vacation and sick days. These perks may also be negotiable and can add significant value to your compensation package.
• Practice effective communication: Exhibit confidence and professionalism by explaining why you want a higher salary. Clearly state your reasons while remaining respectful and open to compromise.

Beyond Pay: Perks & Benefits for Hosts and Hostesses

Apart from compensation, salaried workers in the hospitality industry often enjoy many other perks and benefits. These include:

• Employee discounts
• Free meals
• Flexible scheduling
• Free uniforms
• Health, vision and dental insurance
• Gym memberships
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for advancement
• Training programs
• Incentive programs, employee of the month awards or performance-based bonuses
• Education assistance or tuition reimbursement programs
• Supportive and positive work environment

How Much Do Similar Careers to a Host/Hostess Get Paid?

Host and Hostesses earn less than Servers and Bartenders but less than Barbacks and Valets.

Expert Reviewer Milos Eric thoroughly evaluated this salary guide to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the analyses provided. The salary guide provides insights such as location-specific figures, industry trends and factors that influence compensation. As the Co-Founder and General Manager of OysterLink, Milos brings his extensive experience as an entrepreneur and business executive. Through the years, he has led and hired more than 500 employees for global companies like DesignRush and Digital Silk. Not to mention, he is recognized as a Top Voice for Leadership, Recruitment and Recruitment Management on LinkedIn.