Position
Salary

How much does a Host/Hostess make?

The average salary for a Host/Hostess is $31,035 per year in the US.

Hosts and hostesses work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, and event venues. The salary for these roles varies, depending on several factors. Generally, most hosts and hostesses earn between $18,250 and $47,700 per year. The average yearly salary stands at around $31,035.


The income distribution for hosts and hostesses can be broken down as follows:

  • 3.58% earn $18,250
  • 6.27% earn $20,927
  • 12.26% earn $23,605
  • 10.23% earn $26,282
  • 17.95% earn $28,959
  • 19.06% earn $31,636
  • 10.86% earn $34,314
  • 7.08% earn $36,991
  • 5.05% earn $39,668
  • 1.82% earn $42,345
  • 0.86% earn $45,023 and above

This range shows that while some earn a modest income, others can make significantly more, especially with tips and bonuses in certain environments.

View Host/Hostess jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Host/Hostess?

Job seekers looking for Host/Hostess roles will find top salaries in San Francisco, CA, where the average income stands at $47,366. This high pay reflects the city's bustling dining scene and premium lifestyle. Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive wages for these positions, averaging $43,036 and $40,531, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Host/Hostess jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $47,366 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $37,089.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $47,366
    In San Francisco, greeting guests and guiding them to their tables is key. Many people work in high-end restaurants and chic cafes. Companies like Google and Salesforce often have on-site dining for their employees.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,036
    Seattle offers a vibrant dining scene with plenty of opportunities. Warm service and a welcoming attitude shine here. Local businesses, including Starbucks headquarters, provide many jobs.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $40,531
    LA’s bustling food scene means a host’s job is always in demand. From trendy eateries to famous celebrity spots, there’s a place for everyone. High-traffic areas like Hollywood have many openings.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $39,425
    In Washington, greeting visitors and locals alike is a daily task. Many work in elegant restaurants serving government officials and tourists. Companies like Amazon and government buildings offer job opportunities.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $38,916
    Denver’s thriving restaurant culture provides many openings. Warm, friendly service is important. Many positions are in popular spots like Union Station and downtown.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Denver, CO


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $38,910
    San Jose offers a mix of casual and upscale dining. Welcoming guests with a smile is key. Silicon Valley companies like Intel and Apple provide many job opportunities.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $38,217
    Boston’s historic dining scene needs friendly faces. Many work in famous seafood restaurants and trendy cafes. Companies like General Electric and Harvard have dining facilities.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $38,105
    Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and lively atmosphere. Friendly service is a must. Many opportunities exist in downtown and the Loop area.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $37,342
    Stamford offers a mix of corporate and casual dining. Efficient service is important. Many work in hotel restaurants and corporate dining areas.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in Stamford, CT


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $37,089
    San Diego’s beachside dining scene is lively and fun. Warm hospitality is key. Many work in trendy beachside cafes and upscale restaurants.
    Find Host/Hostess jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Host/Hostess can work for?

Hillstone Restaurant Group offers one of the top salaries for Host/Hostess positions, paying an average of $67,556 annually. Mina Group also provides competitive wages, with an average salary of $53,752 for these roles. 1 Hotels follows closely with an average salary of $51,213, making these companies great options for job seekers. These companies value their staff, which shows in their compensation packages. Knowing these figures can help in making an informed career choice.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Host/Hostess jobs, highlighting Hillstone Restaurant Group with the highest at $67,556 and Sonesta with the lowest at $43,713.
  1. Hillstone Restaurant Group
    Average Salary: $67,556
    Hillstone Restaurant Group offers Host/Hostess roles across various locations. They value customer service and teamwork. They operate in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas.


  2. Mina Group
    Average Salary: $53,752
    Mina Group seeks Hosts and Hostesses to manage guest arrivals. They focus on hospitality and dining excellence. Mina Group locations include Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C.


  3. 1 Hotels
    Average Salary: $51,213
    1 Hotels provides Hosts and Hostesses with a unique experience. They emphasize luxury and comfort. Their locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.


  4. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
    Average Salary: $47,947
    Marriott Vacations Worldwide offers a variety of Host/Hostess positions. They value guest satisfaction and team spirit. They have resorts in Florida, Hawaii, and California.


  5. Advocate Aurora Health
    Average Salary: $46,604
    Advocate Aurora Health offers Host/Hostess roles in a medical setting. They focus on hospitality and patient care. Locations include Chicago and Milwaukee.


  6. Bon Appétit
    Average Salary: $45,856
    Bon Appétit provides Host/Hostess opportunities in schools and universities. They value punctuality and friendly service. They operate in cities like New York and San Francisco.


  7. Four Seasons
    Average Salary: $45,568
    Four Seasons offers luxury Host/Hostess roles. They emphasize elegance and guest comfort. Their locations include Paris, London, and Hong Kong.


  8. Restaurant Associates
    Average Salary: $43,855
    Restaurant Associates offers a variety of Host/Hostess positions. They value teamwork and customer satisfaction. Their locations include Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.


  9. SugarFISH by Sushi Nozawa
    Average Salary: $43,833
    SugarFISH by Sushi Nozawa provides Host/Hostess opportunities in fine dining. They focus on customer service and teamwork. Locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle.


  10. Sonesta
    Average Salary: $43,713
    Sonesta offers Host/Hostess roles in luxury hotels. They value hospitality and guest satisfaction. Locations include Miami, New York, and Orlando.

How to earn more as a Host/Hostess?

In the role of a host or hostess, earning potential can greatly depend on several factors. Understanding these elements can help increase income. This article explores key strategies to boost earnings in this field. It aims to provide a clear path for job seekers looking to maximize their income in hospitality.

Firstly, improving customer service skills can lead to higher tips and repeat business. Excellent service creates a positive experience that customers remember. This leads to better tips and referrals. Effective communication with guests ensures they feel valued and cared for. Secondly, working at peak hours can increase tips. These hours include weekends and holidays when restaurants are busy. Hosts and hostesses must be flexible with their schedules. Being available during busy times can lead to more tips.

Additionally, networking within the restaurant and with guests can boost earnings. Building relationships with regular customers can lead to repeat business. It can also create a loyal customer base. Positive interactions with colleagues can lead to a better work environment. This can result in more opportunities for extra shifts. Lastly, offering to assist with additional tasks can also increase income. Tasks such as seating guests, taking reservations, and assisting with events can lead to higher tips. Taking initiative and being proactive can impress management and guests alike.

To summarize, maximizing income as a host or hostess involves several key strategies. Improving customer service, working peak hours, networking, and offering additional assistance are effective ways to increase earnings. These steps can help job seekers in hospitality find success and earn more.

Here are some actionable tips to consider:

  • Enhance customer service skills to create a memorable experience.
  • Work peak hours to increase opportunities for tips.
  • Network with guests and colleagues for repeat business and referrals.
  • Assist with additional tasks to impress management and guests.
  • Be flexible with your schedule to take advantage of busy times.

Currently 2,576 Host/Hostess job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Host/Hostess in the US?

Learn what a Host/Hostess does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Host/Hostess today.
Position
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Host/Hostess
2,576 Job Openings