Hostess Salary in Kenosha, WI
Hostesses in Kenosha, WI, 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 market for Hostesses in Kenosha is experiencing a positive growth rate of 5% per year, indicating an increasing demand for hospitality roles in the area.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Kenosha, WI?
The salary of a Hostess in Kenosha varies with experience and employer type. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly 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) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Hostesses in Kenosha Earn Tips?
Hostesses typically do not earn tips as their role primarily involves greeting and seating customers rather than providing direct table service.
Hostess Salary in Kenosha vs. National Average
Nationally, Hostesses earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, which amounts to roughly $30,160.00 yearly.
Hostesses in Kenosha earn slightly below the national average at $14.00 per hour and $29,120.00 annually, reflecting local cost-of-living differences and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kenosha for Hostesses
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay scales for Hostesses:
- Downtown Kenosha: $15.50 per hour
- Hillcrest: $17.60 per hour
Working in Hillcrest yields the best hourly pay, while Downtown Kenosha also offers more competitive salaries compared to the city average.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Kenosha?
Several factors affect the salary of a Hostess in Kenosha:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Hostesses often command higher wages due to familiarity with customer service and restaurant flow.
- Skills and Interpersonal Abilities: Strong communication, problem-solving, and multitasking skills improve earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants or hotels typically pay more than casual dining or fast-food locations.
- Shift Timing and Flexibility: Working evening or weekend shifts may come with shift differentials.
- Local Economic Conditions: Demand for hospitality positions and cost of living in Kenosha influence wages.
How To Become a Hostess in Kenosha
Starting a career as a Hostess in Kenosha can be done by following a few simple steps and obtaining relevant skills:
- Enhance Customer Service Skills: Enroll in programs like the Customer Service Excellence Program offered by Gateway Technical College, which is valuable for hospitality roles.
- Pursue Hospitality Industry Knowledge: Obtain a Hospitality Management Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to understand broader hospitality operations.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards, beneficial even for front-of-house roles.
- Emergency Preparedness: A CPR and First Aid Certification can be advantageous for handling unforeseen situations in the workplace.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Many hostesses start in entry-level positions and learn by working in busy restaurant environments.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Kenosha
Several established employers in Kenosha frequently hire Hostesses, including well-known restaurant chains and local dining spots:
- Cracker Barrel
- Texas Roadhouse
- HarborHouse
Establishments That Hostesses in Kenosha Work At
Hostesses can be found working in various food service establishments, each affecting salary potential differently:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments often provide stable hours with moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically have a faster-paced environment but may offer lower wages.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Can offer higher salaries and require polished customer interaction skills.
- Hotels and Resort Dining: Often pay more and provide opportunities for advancement in hospitality careers.
The type of establishment significantly impacts the Hostess's salary, especially regarding tips and benefits in upscale venues.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kenosha for Hostesses
If you are considering alternatives or complementary careers to Hostess in hospitality, here are some options:
Consider roles like Backwaiter, Receptionist, or Cashier which involve customer interaction and can offer career growth within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Kenosha
Hostesses should familiarize themselves with relevant labor and tax regulations to ensure proper workplace practices and compliance.
- You can visit the Federal Department of Labor website for broad labor laws and employment rights.
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers state-specific rules and resources.
- The Official City of Kenosha website provides local employment information and related resources.