How to Become a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in California
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops in California earn a median salary of $35,910/year, which is 18% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.7%. After taxes and rent, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop takes home approximately $1,111/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop can afford in California
Becoming a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in California
Meet education requirements
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 42,450 hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $40K | $19.23/hr | 1,880 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $38K | $18.35/hr | 5,090 |
| Napa | $37K | $17.88/hr | 510 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $37K | $17.61/hr | 720 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $36K | $17.37/hr | 15,360 |
| Vallejo | $36K | $17.28/hr | 290 |
| Redding | $36K | $17.28/hr | 190 |
| Salinas | $36K | $17.09/hr | 580 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $35K | $16.99/hr | 320 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $35K | $16.99/hr | 5,180 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $35K | $16.8/hr | 4,170 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $35K | $16.73/hr | 2,210 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $35K | $16.67/hr | 670 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $35K | $16.65/hr | 540 |
| Yuba City | $34K | $16.54/hr | 100 |
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary range in California
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop make in California?▼
The median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary in California is $35,910 per year ($17.26/hr). This is 18% above the national median of $30,380. Salaries range from $33,630 to $45,990.
What are the requirements to become a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in California?▼
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop positions in California typically require No formal educational credential. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $35,910, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in California would take home approximately $2,523/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($40,000), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($38,160), Napa ($37,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.7%. On a $35,910 salary, this means roughly $617/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.