Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 427,150 hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops, and they earn a median of $30,380/year. The range runs from $22K to $43K. Hawaii pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops start around $22K. The gap between that and the median ($30K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $43K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $43K | 2,320 |
| New York | $37K | 17,350 |
| District of Columbia | $37K | 2,320 |
| Washington | $37K | 9,770 |
| California | $36K | 42,450 |
| Maine | $35K | 1,460 |
| Alaska | $35K | 820 |
| Massachusetts | $35K | 11,280 |
| New Jersey | $34K | 7,940 |
| Oregon | $34K | 4,450 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop make?▼
The median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary in the United States is $30,380 per year ($15/hour). Entry-level positions start around $22,010, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,600.
What education do you need to become a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops.
What are the highest paying states for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops?▼
The highest paying states for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops are Hawaii ($43,070), New York ($37,070), District of Columbia ($36,950), Washington ($36,500), California ($35,910). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.