Hostess Salary in Birmingham, AL
Hostesses in Birmingham, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $11.50 per hour, which translates to about $460.00 per week, $1,993.33 per month, and $23,920.00 per year.
The job market for Hostesses in Birmingham is growing moderately at a rate of about 3% per year, indicating a steady demand for this position in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Birmingham, AL?
Hostess salaries in Birmingham can vary based on experience and the employer. Below is a breakdown of typical hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly pay according to experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.00 | $360.00 | $1,560.00 | $18,720.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.50 | $460.00 | $1,983.33 | $23,920.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
Do Hostesses in Birmingham Earn Tips?
Hostesses generally do not earn tips as their role focuses mainly on greeting and seating guests rather than providing direct service that involves tipping. Their earnings primarily come from their hourly wage or salary.
Hostess Salary in Birmingham vs. National Average
Nationally, Hostesses earn on average about $12.00 per hour, which adds up to roughly $24,960.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Hostesses in Birmingham earn slightly less at $11.50 per hour and $23,920.00 annually, reflecting regional pay differences and local market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Birmingham for Hostesses
Nearby areas offering higher wages for Hostesses include:
- Downtown: $12.50 per hour
- Mountain Brook: $13.00 per hour
Hostesses working in Mountain Brook generally enjoy the highest wages among these nearby locations, with wages reflecting the area's economic conditions and hospitality demand.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Birmingham?
Several factors can influence the salary of a Hostess in Birmingham:
- Experience and Tenure: More seasoned Hostesses with strong customer service and organizational skills can command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale or fine dining establishments typically offers better compensation compared to casual or fast-food restaurants.
- Skills and Certifications: Additional skills such as bilingual abilities and certifications may enhance earning potential.
- Shifts and Scheduling: Working peak hours or weekends can sometimes increase pay through shift differentials.
- Local Economic Factors: The hospitality market conditions and cost of living in Birmingham influence wage levels.
How To Become a Hostess in Birmingham
To start a career as a Hostess in Birmingham, prospective candidates can take these steps:
- Education Programs: Consider enrolling in hospitality-related programs such as the Jefferson State Community College Hospitality Management Program or Birmingham-Southern College’s Business Administration with a Hospitality Focus.
- Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or TIPS Certification can be advantageous, demonstrating knowledge of food safety and responsible service.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level roles in customer service or restaurant settings can build essential skills for a Hostess position.
- Develop Soft Skills: Effective communication, organization, and a friendly demeanor are key to success in this role.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Birmingham
Several well-known restaurant chains are among the top employers hiring Hostesses in Birmingham:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- P.F. Chang's
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
Establishments That Hostesses in Birmingham Work At
Hostesses in Birmingham typically find employment in various types of food service establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer approachable menus and environments, often with moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Faster paced and with less formal service, these spots offer entry to mid-level wages.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually featuring more formal service and higher customer expectations, wages and tips can be better here.
The type of establishment strongly influences the salary, with fine dining usually offering the highest potential earnings due to the nature of the service and clientele.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Birmingham for Hostesses
If you are interested in careers related to the Hostess role, consider exploring some of these similar positions that offer different responsibilities and pay scales.
These include Backwaiter, Fine Dining Server, and Waiter/Waitress positions, which involve similar hospitality skills and guest interaction responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Birmingham
Hostesses should be aware of pertinent labor laws and taxes applicable to their employment in Birmingham, including local, state, and federal regulations.
- For detailed information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Information on Alabama state labor laws and employment regulations can be found at the Alabama government website.
- For local business regulations and employment resources specific to Birmingham, check the Birmingham city website.