Hostess Salary in Charleston, SC
Hostesses in Charleston, SC, in 2025, earn approximately $15.04 per hour, which translates to about $601.60 per week, $2,606.93 per month, and $31,283.20 per year.
The job demand for Hostesses in Charleston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Hostess Make in Charleston, SC?
The salary of a Hostess in Charleston varies depending on experience and employer. Here's a breakdown of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $7.93 | $317.20 | $1,372.53 | $16,494.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.04 | $601.60 | $2,606.93 | $31,283.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.52 | $1,140.80 | $4,939.47 | $59,321.60 |
Do Hostesses in Charleston Earn Tips?
Hostesses typically do earn some tips, especially in busy or high-end establishments. They can earn approximately $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the venue's tipping culture and customer volume.
Hostess Salary in Charleston vs. National Average
Nationally, Hostesses earn an average hourly wage of about $13.68, with yearly earnings around $28,454.40.
Compared to the national average, Hostesses in Charleston earn slightly more at $15.04 per hour and $31,283.20 per year.
This difference can be attributed to Charleston's vibrant tourism industry and demand for hospitality roles.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Charleston for Hostesses
Looking at nearby areas, Hostess salaries vary as follows:
- Beaufort: $16.88 per hour
- Charleston: $15.04 per hour
Hostesses working in Beaufort can expect slightly higher wages compared to Charleston, making it an attractive nearby option.
What Influences a Hostess’s Salary in Charleston?
Experience is a major factor; Hostesses with more years in hospitality tend to command higher wages.
Skills such as guest communication, multitasking, and familiarity with reservation systems often boost earning potential.
The type of establishment also significantly impacts salary—high-end restaurants or busy tourist venues typically offer better pay and tip opportunities.
Location within Charleston and surrounding areas can affect earnings, with some neighborhoods or suburbs providing higher wages than others.
Additional responsibilities like managing waitlists or assisting management can increase compensation.
How To Become a Hostess in Charleston
To start a career as a Hostess in Charleston, consider the following steps:
- Complete relevant training programs, such as Culinary Institute of Charleston's hospitality and culinary arts courses, which provide foundational knowledge useful for Hostesses.
- Enroll in hospitality management courses at institutions like Trident Technical College to gain business and service skills.
- Obtain certifications like ServSafe Certification, which covers food and beverage safety, often required for hospitality roles.
- Consider the TIPS Certification, focused on responsible alcohol service, particularly beneficial when working in venues serving alcohol.
- Gain practical experience in customer service and seating management to develop essential Hostess skills.
Top Employers Hiring Hostesses in Charleston
Some of the major employers frequently hiring Hostesses in Charleston include:
- Charleston Hospitality Group
- Hall Management Group
- The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Establishments That Hostesses in Charleston Work At
Hostesses commonly work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual dining restaurants: These typically offer standard wages and some tip opportunities.
- Fast casual venues: Often feature quicker turnover and steadier hours but may pay less.
- Fine dining restaurants: Hostesses here often earn higher salaries and more tips due to the upscale nature of the venue.
- Hotels and resorts: Hostesses may have consistent schedules and benefits, with wages that reflect the scale and prestige of the establishment.
The type of establishment greatly influences overall compensation, with upscale restaurants generally paying the most.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Charleston for Hostesses
Those interested in similar roles to a Hostess might consider:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, which share customer service and hospitality functions closely related to the Hostess role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Hostesses in Charleston
Hostesses should be aware of key labor laws and tax regulations to protect their rights and manage their earnings effectively.
- Visit the federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal labor laws.
- South Carolina's official rules and resources can be found on the SC government website.
- The City of Charleston's official website offers local employment information and business guidelines.