The average hourly wage for Hostesses in Burlington is around $14 per hour. However, it’s important to note that tips significantly supplement this base pay. Hostesses in Burlington usually earn between $3 to $7 per hour in tips depending on the restaurant’s type and clientele.
Curious about which Burlington restaurants pay Hostesses the most? In this article, we’ll explore the top-paying restaurants in the city and discuss how factors like location, restaurant style and experience impact earnings and tips. Whether you are starting out or looking to boost your income, keep reading to discover valuable insights.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Hostesses in Burlington, VT
Burlington boasts a variety of dining spots where Hostesses can earn competitive wages and enjoy consistent tipping. From farm-to-table eateries to popular bistros, the following restaurants are known for providing great pay and a pleasant working environment.
1. Hen of the Wood
Hen of the Wood is famous for its commitment to local ingredients and innovative New American cuisine. Their strong reputation and steady clientele create a consistent flow of business, resulting in reliable tips and competitive Hostess wages.
2. Leunig's Bistro
Leunig’s Bistro offers classic French fare in a warm, bustling setting. Hostesses here benefit from high customer volume and a neighborhood clientele known for showing appreciation through generous tipping.
3. Juniper Bar & Restaurant
Known for its craft cocktails and regionally-inspired menus, Juniper is a lively spot downtown. The vibrant atmosphere and frequent events provide Hostesses with numerous tipping opportunities alongside solid base wages.
4. Penny Cluse Cafe
A beloved breakfast and brunch destination, Penny Cluse Cafe draws locals and tourists alike. With consistent foot traffic, Hostesses here often enjoy steady tips and a friendly, community-oriented workplace.
5. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Known for its extensive beer selection and farm-sourced menu, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill combines casual dining with quality service. Hostesses benefit from a lively customer base and the opportunity to earn meaningful tips.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Hostess Earnings
The kind of restaurant greatly influences a Hostess’s overall earnings, including base pay and tips. Higher-end or specialty restaurants usually offer higher hourly wages and better tipping potential due to their affluent clientele.
Casual dining spots, while often paying slightly less per hour, may provide steadier tip income thanks to higher customer turnover and regular community patronage.
Other factors affecting pay include:
- Location: Restaurants in downtown or tourist-heavy areas tend to offer better tips.
- Certifications: Having Hospitality or customer service certificates can boost starting pay.
- Experience: Seasoned Hostesses often receive higher wages and more tipping opportunities.
On average, Hostesses in casual restaurants or cafes might see tip earnings around $3 to $5 per hour while those in upscale venues can earn $6 to $10+ per hour in tips, adding significantly to their base salary.
How To Find a High Paying Hostess Job in Burlington
Focus on Upscale and High-Traffic Venues
Target restaurants known for fine dining or strong patronage. These establishments typically have higher base wages and tipping opportunities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter and Resume
Emphasize customer service skills, experience in Hospitality and any relevant certifications. Highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Network Within the Local Hospitality Scene
Attend industry events and connect with hiring managers at popular Burlington restaurants. Personal relationships can often open doors to better-paying roles.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Research the restaurant’s menu and ambiance, demonstrate enthusiasm and showcase strong communication skills during interviews to stand out.
What’s the Outlook for Hostess Jobs in Burlington in 2025 and Beyond?
The Hospitality industry in Burlington is expected to experience steady growth through 2025 and beyond, fueled by tourism and local population growth. This will maintain strong demand for Hostesses and other front-of-house roles.
As more restaurants focus on providing exceptional customer experiences, skilled Hostesses with good interpersonal and organizational skills will be increasingly sought after.
Seasonal peaks, especially during warmer months and holidays, will also generate additional job opportunities in both casual and upscale settings.
Is a Hostess’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Burlington?
With an average hourly wage of $14 plus tips that range from $3 to $7 per hour, a Hostess in Burlington can expect to earn between $35,000 to $45,000 annually depending on hours worked and tipping patterns.
In comparison, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington is approximately $1,300 per month. Utilities and groceries typically add around $400 to $500 monthly, making budgeting essential.
For Hostesses working in busy or upscale establishments, the added tip income can make living comfortably feasible, especially when combined with part-time second jobs or shared living arrangements.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Burlington Hostess Jobs
We based our restaurant selections on data from job listings, employee reviews and local Hospitality industry insights. Our goal was to highlight places offering both competitive base pay and consistent tipping opportunities.
Key criteria included:
- Pay and Tips: Restaurants with above-average wages and known for tipping well.
- Location: Venues in high-foot-traffic and tourist-favored areas of Burlington.
- Work Environment: Positive employee feedback regarding management and culture.
These factors help ensure that Hostesses not only earn well but also enjoy a supportive and engaging workplace.