Hostess Resources

|

listIcon

Additional Resources

Arrow down icon
List Icon

Hostess Resources

Open

5 min read

Hostess Salary in Des Plaines, IL

Hostesses in Des Plaines, IL, in 2025, earn approximately $14.00 per hour, which translates to about $560.00 per week, $2,426.67 per month, and $29,120.00 per year.

The job demand for Hostesses in Des Plaines is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a steady increase in opportunities for individuals seeking this role in the local hospitality sector.

What could I earn?
Find out how your salary compares to the average Hostess salary.
Job Title
Location
Your Salary
Average Hostess Salary in Des Plaines, IL:
Your salary is the same as the Des Plaines, IL salary average.
$14
Your Salary
$14.00
$0.00
$14
$28.00
Market Average
$14

How Much Does a Hostess Make in Des Plaines, IL?

The salary of a Hostess in Des Plaines varies based on experience and employer, but here's an overview of earnings at different levels:

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$10.50$420.00$1,820.00$21,840.00
Mid-level (average)$14.00$560.00$2,426.67$29,120.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$18.90$756.00$3,278.00$39,312.00

Do Hostesses in Des Plaines Earn Tips?

Hostesses generally do not earn tips as their primary role involves greeting and seating guests rather than directly serving food or beverages. Their earnings are typically based on an hourly wage or salary without additional tip income.

Hostess Salary in Des Plaines vs. National Average

Nationally, Hostesses earn an average of about $13.90 per hour, which sums up to around $28,912.00 per year.

Comparing this to Des Plaines, Hostesses earn slightly more, with an average hourly wage of $14.00 and annual earnings around $29,120.00. This indicates that Des Plaines provides a competitive wage for Hostesses relative to the national market.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Des Plaines for Hostesses

Exploring nearby areas reveals some variance in pay for Hostesses:

  • Downtown Des Plaines: $15.50 per hour
  • Metropolitan Square: $17.60 per hour

Those working closer to Metropolitan Square tend to earn the highest wages for Hostesses, reflecting the area's demand and perhaps more upscale or busy establishments.

High-Paying Cities for Hostesses

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Hostess. You can see the average annual wage for a Hostess in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$31,900

$15.34

Los Angeles, CA

$39,570

$19.02

Miami, FL

$31,380

$15.09

NYC, NY

$39,120

$18.81

What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Des Plaines?

A number of factors can influence how much a Hostess earns in Des Plaines:

  • Experience: More experienced Hostesses often command higher wages due to their efficiency in managing front-of-house operations.
  • Skills: Strong communication and customer service skills can lead to better job offers and pay.
  • Type of Establishment: Hostesses at fine dining or upscale restaurants usually earn more than those at casual or fast-food venues.
  • Shift Timing: Evenings and weekends might offer premium pay depending on employer policies.
  • Location: Working in areas with higher foot traffic or affluent clientele can boost earnings.

How To Become a Hostess in Des Plaines

To pursue a career as a Hostess in Des Plaines, consider the following steps:

  • Education and Training: Completing programs like the Hospitality Management Program at Oakton Community College can provide a strong foundation in customer service and restaurant operations.
  • Skill Workshops: Participating in workshops such as the Customer Service Excellence Workshop at Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce helps enhance essential interpersonal skills.
  • Certifications: Obtaining a Food Handler Certification is mandatory in Illinois for food service employees, ensuring knowledge of safe food handling.
  • Responsible Beverage Service Certification: While not always required, this certification can be beneficial in establishments serving alcohol.
  • Practical Experience: Gaining on-the-job experience in customer-facing roles helps build key competencies.

Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Des Plaines

Some of the notable employers hiring Hostesses in Des Plaines include:

  • Foxtail on the Lake
  • Wildfire Des Plaines
  • Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
  • Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
  • Founders Kitchen and Tap
Over 100k Jobs on OysterLink
Find the best paying jobs that match your skills and goals.
OysterLink Logo

Establishments That Hostesses in Des Plaines Work At

Hostesses commonly work in a variety of hospitality settings such as casual dining, fast casual, fine dining, hotels, and banquet facilities.

The type of establishment influences salary significantly; for instance, fine dining venues often pay higher wages to Hostesses due to the level of service expected.

Casual and fast casual restaurants may offer lower pay but have higher turnover, which can provide more frequent hiring opportunities.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Des Plaines for Hostesses

If you’re considering similar roles to that of a Hostess, you might look into positions like:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Backwaiter

$32,636

Waiter/Waitress

$36,530

These roles include Cashier, Waiter/Waitress, and Backwaiter, which involve customer interaction and service skills similar to those required of a Hostess.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Des Plaines

Hostesses working in Des Plaines should be informed about relevant labor laws and taxation regulations to ensure compliance and protect their rights.