Hostess Salary in Columbus, OH
Hostesses in Columbus, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $14.95 per hour, which translates to about $598.00 per week, $2,591.33 per month, and $31,096.00 per year.
The job demand for Hostesses in Columbus is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating a healthy outlook and increasing opportunities in the hospitality and restaurant sectors in this city.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Columbus, OH?
The salary of a Hostess in Columbus can differ based on experience, skills, and employer size. Here's an overview by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.34 | $373.60 | $1,615.73 | $19,396.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.95 | $598.00 | $2,589.67 | $31,096.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.93 | $957.20 | $4,133.87 | $49,766.40 |
Do Hostesses in Columbus Earn Tips?
Hostesses generally do not earn tips as their role focuses on greeting and seating guests rather than service that typically earns gratuities. Their earnings mostly come from their hourly wage or salary.
Hostess Salary in Columbus vs. National Average
Nationally, Hostesses earn around $13.60 per hour, translating to about $28,288 annually.
Compared to the national average, Hostesses in Columbus earn slightly more, making approximately $14.95 hourly and $31,096 annually. This shows Columbus offers a competitive salary for Hostesses relative to the wider market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Columbus for Hostesses
In the nearby Columbus areas, salary rates for Hostesses can be higher, depending on the neighborhood:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Short North: $17.60 per hour
Hostesses working in Short North can expect the highest pay among nearby areas, likely due to upscale dining establishments and higher living costs.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Columbus?
Several factors affect a Hostess’s salary in Columbus, such as:
- Experience and Customer Service Skills: Hostesses with stronger interpersonal and customer management skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Hostesses in upscale restaurants, hotels, or event venues often make more than those in casual dining or fast-food outlets.
- Shift Hours and Flexibility: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may offer premium pay or bonuses.
- Local Demand and Competition: Areas with a booming hospitality sector may have more job openings and competitive pay.
- Additional Duties: Hostesses who also take on reservation management or customer relation tasks may command a higher salary.
How To Become a Hostess in Columbus
Starting a career as a Hostess in Columbus requires some preparation and relevant skills:
- Hospitality Management Education: Columbus State Community College offers a Hospitality Management Program with training relevant to front-of-house roles like Hostess positions.
- Customer Service Certifications: Programs at Ohio State University Hospitality Services provide workshops and certifications to enhance service excellence skills.
- Food Safety Knowledge: Earning a ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often beneficial and sometimes mandatory for hospitality roles.
- Guest Service Expertise: Obtaining a Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) credential helps boost employability by demonstrating advanced guest interaction abilities.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Columbus
Several notable employers actively look for qualified Hostesses in Columbus, including:
- Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
- Hyde Park Restaurant Group
- Lindey's
Establishments That Hostesses in Columbus Work At
Hostesses typically find jobs across a range of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Usually offer moderate pay with steady hours suitable for entry-level Hostesses.
- Upscale Fine Dining: Salaries tend to be higher and may include additional perks, reflecting the more demanding and refined guest service environment.
- Fast Casual or Quick Service: Generally lower salaries but may offer more flexible scheduling options.
- Hotels and Event Spaces: Hostesses here often enjoy higher pay rates due to the premium nature of the venues and larger customer volumes.
The type of establishment significantly impacts the salary range for Hostesses, with luxury venues typically compensating more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Columbus for Hostesses
If you are considering roles related to being a Hostess, these positions share similar required skills and workplace environments:
These roles include Backwaiter, Fine Dining Server, and Waiter/Waitress, all of which also emphasize customer service and hospitality skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Columbus
Hostesses should familiarize themselves with federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations to ensure fair work conditions and compliance.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and employment standards for nationwide guidelines.
- The State of Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services provides specific information on employment and labor regulations within Ohio.
- The City of Columbus official website offers resources on local employment laws and worker protections.