In Winston Salem, Hostesses typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 per hour. However, their overall earnings can vary significantly depending on the restaurant's type, location and clientele.
While Hostesses primarily earn an hourly wage, tips can also be an important part of their income. In smaller cities like Winston Salem, tips for Hostesses usually add an additional $3 to $7 per hour on average. This article will explore which restaurants in Winston Salem pay Hostesses well and dive into the various factors that influence these earnings. We'll also discuss tips and strategies to help you find a high-paying Hostess role in the city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Hostesses in Winston Salem, NC- 1. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
- 2. Crafted – The Art of the Taco
- 3. Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
- 4. La Carreta Restaurant
- 5. Sweet Potatoes
- 6. Blue Mediterranean
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Hostess Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Hostess Job in Winston Salem
- What’s the Outlook for Hostess Jobs in Winston Salem in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Hostess’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Winston Salem?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Winston Salem Hostess Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Hostesses in Winston Salem, NC
Winston Salem's vibrant dining scene offers several opportunities for Hostesses looking to maximize their earnings. From classic Southern eateries to upscale bistros, many restaurants provide competitive pay and tipping potential.
Below are some of the top restaurants where Hostesses in Winston Salem can earn well:
1. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
Located in the historic Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar is known for its modern French cuisine paired with a stunning rooftop bar. This upscale venue offers Hostesses opportunities to earn above average wages and generous tips from a clientele appreciative of attentive service.
2. Crafted – The Art of the Taco
Famous for creative tacos using local ingredients, Crafted provides a lively and casual yet trendy atmosphere. Hostesses here benefit from steady foot traffic and a fun work environment that supports good tip earnings.
3. Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
Serving elevated Southern comfort food, Mozelle’s has built a strong local following. Its cozy interior and welcoming vibe make it a great spot for Hostesses to connect with guests and earn through tips alongside competitive hourly wages.
4. La Carreta Restaurant
A family-owned Mexican restaurant with a loyal clientele, La Carreta offers Hostesses a steady work environment. Though more casual, it provides consistent tips and allows for regular interaction with a diverse customer base.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Well-known for Southern hospitality and delicious homestyle cooking, Sweet Potatoes attracts a devoted local clientele. The restaurant’s friendly atmosphere often leads to tips that supplement the Hostess’s base pay nicely.
6. Blue Mediterranean
Offering authentic Mediterranean dishes and an elegant setting, Blue Mediterranean is a favorite for special occasions. Hostesses here can expect an upscale clientele and the potential for higher tips reflecting the venue’s premium experience.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Hostess Earnings
The type of restaurant and its clientele largely influence a Hostess’s earnings, especially when it comes to tips. Upscale and fine dining establishments tend to offer higher hourly wages and bigger gratuities due to pricier menus and more generous guests.
In contrast, casual dining spots usually pay less hourly but can offer more consistent tip opportunities thanks to steady customer flow. Hostesses in Hotels or busy chain restaurants may receive modest base pay but benefit from volume.
Additionally, holding certifications or specialized training in Hospitality or customer service can improve your pay prospects, particularly in high-end or tourist-frequented venues.
- Upscale restaurants: Hourly wages typically range from $13 to $16, with tips averaging between $5 and $10 per hour.
- Casual dining and family-style eateries: Base pay ranges $10 to $12, with tips averaging $3 to $6 per hour.
- Hotel restaurants and chains: Earnings vary, often between $11 and $14 hourly, with tips dependent on guest volume and Hotel occupancy.
How To Find a High Paying Hostess Job in Winston Salem
Research the Market
Investigate popular restaurants and venues with positive reviews for staff treatment and competitive wages. Look for establishments known for fine dining or high turnover, as these generally offer better pay.
Network Within the Industry
Connect with current Hospitality workers and recruiters in Winston Salem. Personal referrals and relationships can open doors to positions not broadly advertised.
Prepare a Strong Application
Highlight any previous experience in customer service or Hospitality, emphasize punctuality and communication skills, and tailor your resume to match the role requirements.
Be Flexible and Professional
Showing availability during peak hours and a professional demeanor during interviews will increase your chances of being hired at a top-paying restaurant.
Pursue Relevant Training
Consider certifications in Hospitality or customer relations which can make you stand out and justify higher pay.
What’s the Outlook for Hostess Jobs in Winston Salem in 2025 and Beyond?
The Hospitality industry in Winston Salem is expected to grow moderately through 2025, driven by increasing tourism, local economic development and new restaurant openings. This growth translates to steady demand for Hostesses and other front-of-house staff.
According to labor market data and regional projections, the food service sector will continue to be a significant source of entry-level and part-time jobs in the area, with competitive wages to attract good candidates.
Emerging trends suggest an increased focus on customer experience and service excellence, which could favor Hostesses who bring professionalism and adaptability.
Is a Hostess’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Winston Salem?
Combining an average hourly wage of about $12 with tips of approximately $3 to $7 per hour, Hostesses in Winston Salem can earn roughly $19,000 to $26,000 annually, assuming full-time hours.
Compared to living costs, Winston Salem remains relatively affordable. For context, average monthly expenses in 2025 may include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: Around $900
- Utilities: Approximately $150
- Groceries: Estimated $300 to $400
- Transportation: $100 to $150
This means that with careful budgeting, Hostesses earning combined base wages and tips can maintain a modest but comfortable lifestyle in Winston Salem. Opportunities to increase hours or pick up additional shifts can further improve financial stability.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Winston Salem Hostess Jobs
To assemble this list of top-paying Hostess jobs, we examined multiple data sources including local job postings, worker reviews and industry reports. We prioritized restaurants that demonstrated consistent competitive pay, positive staff environments and strong reputations within the community.
Other factors considered included:
- Location: Accessibility and prominence within Winston Salem.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale versus casual venues, considering their impact on wages and tips.
- Benefits and Opportunities: Inclusion of benefits like employee meals, scheduling flexibility or growth potential.
This approach ensures our recommendations offer Hostesses the best chance to both earn well and grow their careers in Winston Salem's food service industry.
.jpg)
.jpg)