Hostess Salary in Chattanooga, TN
Hostesses in Chattanooga, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $10.72 per hour, which translates to about $428.80 per week, $1,858.13 per month, and $22,297.60 per year.
The employment outlook for Hostesses in Chattanooga is positive, with job demand growing steadily at around 5% per year. This suggests expanding opportunities in the local hospitality industry for this role.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Chattanooga, TN?
The salary of a Hostess in Chattanooga, TN varies based on experience, employer, and skills. Below is a general breakdown of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $7.25 | $290.00 | $1,253.33 | $15,080.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $10.72 | $428.80 | $1,858.13 | $22,297.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.88 | $1,195.20 | $5,166.40 | $62,150.40 |
Do Hostesses in Chattanooga Earn Tips?
Hostesses typically do not earn tips as their primary role is greeting and seating guests rather than serving food or drinks. Therefore, their earnings mainly come from their hourly wages or salary.
Hostess Salary in Chattanooga vs. National Average
The national average salary for Hostesses is approximately $13.50 per hour and about $28,080 annually.
When comparing this with earnings in Chattanooga, where the average hourly wage is $10.72 and yearly pay is $22,297.60, Hostesses in Chattanooga earn somewhat less than the national average.
This difference may reflect local economic conditions and cost of living differences in Chattanooga.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Chattanooga for Hostesses
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Hostesses, as shown below:
- Downtown Chattanooga: $12.50 per hour
- North Shore: $11.80 per hour
Hostesses working Downtown tend to earn slightly higher wages compared to those in North Shore and Chattanooga city as a whole.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Chattanooga?
Several factors can affect how much a Hostess earns in Chattanooga:
- Experience: Hostesses with more years in the role generally command higher wages.
- Skills and Customer Service Ability: Strong interpersonal and organizational skills can enhance earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or specialty dining venues typically pay more than casual or fast-food establishments.
- Shift and Hours: Evening and weekend work might offer shift differentials or bonuses.
- Local Economic Conditions: Regional cost of living and demand for hospitality roles influence salaries.
How To Become a Hostess in Chattanooga
Here are practical steps to start a career as a Hostess in Chattanooga:
- Education: Consider completing programs such as the Chattanooga State Community College Hospitality Management Program which offers foundational courses relevant to Hostess positions.
- Customer Service Training: Workshops like those from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga focused on customer service excellence can be very beneficial.
- Certifications: Obtain certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification to demonstrate knowledge of food safety practices, important in restaurant environments.
- Additional Permits: Although not always required for Hostesses, a Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission Server Permit can be advantageous in establishments serving alcohol.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Chattanooga
Chattanooga has several prominent restaurants frequently hiring Hostesses, including:
- St. John's Restaurant
- Alleia
- Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Establishments That Hostesses in Chattanooga Work At
Hostesses typically find employment in a variety of foodservice settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often hire Hostesses to manage seating and guest relations, providing moderate pay and regular hours.
- Fast Casual Venues: Generally pay less but have faster-paced work environments that can offer valuable experience.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: These locations often pay higher wages reflecting the elevated guest service standards and formality.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger hospitality operations may have Hostess roles that come with benefits and more structured career paths.
The type of establishment greatly affects Hostess salaries, with upscale venues usually offering better compensation and opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Chattanooga for Hostesses
If you are considering roles similar to Hostess, there are several related hospitality positions to explore.
These include Receptionist, Waiter/Waitress, and Busser, roles that involve front-of-house service and interaction with customers.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Chattanooga
Hostesses should stay informed about labor laws and tax regulations that affect their work and earnings.
- State-specific regulations can be found on the official Tennessee government website, which provides details regarding wage laws, working hours, and employment rights.
- For comprehensive federal labor standards and workplace regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website.