The average hourly wage for Hostesses in Oklahoma City is around $12 per hour. However, earnings vary significantly based on the restaurant type and location. While Hostesses generally have a lower base pay compared to other front-of-house roles, they often earn tips that can increase their overall hourly earnings by an additional $3 to $8 per hour depending on the venue.
In larger, more upscale restaurants or busy tourist areas, tips can be even higher, occasionally reaching $15 to $25 per hour in total additional income. This article will explore which Oklahoma City restaurants offer the best earnings for Hostesses, what factors affect their pay and how you can find and land a high-paying Hostess job.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Hostesses in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has a vibrant dining scene with a variety of restaurants offering competitive pay and tipping opportunities for Hostesses. From elegant bistros to trendy bars, these venues provide welcoming workplaces and the potential for higher earnings.
Below are some of the top restaurants where Hostesses tend to make the most money in Oklahoma City:
1. The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro
Known for its extensive wine selection and cozy atmosphere, The Mantel offers guests a unique dining experience. Its focus on fine dining and attentive service makes it a prime spot for Hostesses to earn higher tips alongside competitive hourly wages.
2. Vast Restaurant & Bar
Located on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower, Vast provides breathtaking views of the city combined with upscale American cuisine. Its refined clientele and high check averages translate into better pay and tipping potential for Hostesses.
3. The MetroWine Wine Bar & Bistro
A beloved spot in Bricktown, The MetroWine offers a vibrant wine bar experience and a diverse food menu. Its popularity with locals and visitors alike contributes to healthy tip earnings for Hospitality staff.
4. Cheever's Cafe
One of Oklahoma City's longest-running contemporary American restaurants, Cheever's features seasonal menus and welcomes a loyal customer base. Its busy dining room provides consistent income opportunities for Hostesses through tips and base pay.
5. Packard's New American Kitchen
With a focus on farm-to-table cuisine and a stylish, modern atmosphere, Packard's attracts patrons who appreciate quality dining. The restaurant's ambiance and clientele often lead to higher gratuities for Food Service staff.
6. The Jones Assembly
A renowned destination for craft cocktails and live music, The Jones Assembly combines dining and entertainment. Its lively environment and affluent customers offer Hostesses a chance to maximize their tips.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Hostess Earnings
The type of restaurant significantly influences a Hostess’s earnings. Here’s how different factors affect income:
- Casual vs. Upscale Restaurants: Casual restaurants generally pay lower base wages and have smaller tip pools. Hostesses in such venues might earn between $3 and $5 per hour in tips on average.
- Upscale and Fine Dining Establishments: Higher-end restaurants typically offer better base pay and benefit from larger tip shares. Hostesses can often make an additional $8 to $15 per hour in tips depending on clientele and check sizes.
- Location and Clientele: Restaurants located in popular districts or tourist-heavy zones tend to have guests who tip more generously, increasing overall Hostess income.
- Established Reputation and Service Quality: Venues known for exceptional service usually have guests appreciative of staff, resulting in better tipping behavior.
Certification or prior experience can also enhance a Hostess’s ability to secure higher-paying roles, especially where reservations management and guest relations are critical.
How To Find a High Paying Hostess Job in Oklahoma City
Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight any previous Hospitality or customer service experience, emphasizing skills like communication, multitasking and guest management to stand out during applications.
Target Upscale Restaurants
Focus your job search on venues known for fine dining or a lively bar scene, as they tend to offer better compensation and tipping opportunities for Hostesses.
Network Within the Industry
Attend local Hospitality events or connect with current employees. Personal recommendations can often help fast-track your application and improve your chances of landing a top-paying role.
Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly
Research the restaurant’s brand and clientele so you can demonstrate genuine interest and an understanding of their service style during interviews.
Stay Flexible With Scheduling
Offering availability during peak hours, weekends or holidays may make you a more attractive candidate and increase your earning potential through extra shifts.
What’s the Outlook for Hostess Jobs in Oklahoma City in 2025 and Beyond?
The Hospitality industry in Oklahoma City is expected to recover and grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, fueled by a steady influx of both business and leisure travelers. This will sustain demand for Hostesses, especially in popular neighborhoods and newly developed dining areas.
According to labor market projections, the food service and drinking places sector in Oklahoma City is anticipated to add new front-of-house positions, including Hostesses, in response to expanding restaurant openings and increased consumer spending.
Greater investment in Oklahoma City's dining infrastructure and the growth of entertainment districts will provide Hostesses with continued opportunities to find rewarding roles with competitive pay.
Is a Hostess’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Oklahoma City?
Considering an average base wage of around $12 per hour and additional tipping income ranging from $3 to $8 hourly, a Hostess in Oklahoma City could earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, working full-time hours.
Oklahoma City offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many U.S. cities. Typical monthly expenses include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): Approximately $900
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): Around $150
- Groceries (single adult): $250–$350
- Transportation (public transit or gas): $80 – $120
This means that a Hostess with steady shifts, especially at a higher-paying venue with good tips, can cover basic living costs and maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Oklahoma City.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Oklahoma City Hostess Jobs
We selected the restaurants listed based on several key factors that contribute to earning potential for Hostesses.
Pay Scale and Tipping Practices: Restaurants with a reputation for fair base wages and supportive tipping policies were prioritized.
Established Reputation and Popularity: Venues with consistent patronage and good standing in the local dining community were favored, as they usually provide stable work and tip income.
Location: Restaurants in vibrant neighborhoods or tourist areas often have higher sales volumes and tipping opportunities.
Combining these factors ensures that Hostesses working at these establishments have the best chance for maximizing their earnings and enjoying fulfilling work environments.