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Food Service · California

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 $36,640/year, which is 17% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.8%. After taxes and rent, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop takes home approximately $1,356/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$37K
Median salary in California
+17%
vs. national average
1.8%
State income tax
41,100
Employed in California

What a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop can afford in California

Gross annual salary$36,640
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.8% state tax)$2,569/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,213/mo
Rent as % of take-home47.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,640/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,356/mo

Becoming a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in California

1

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.

2

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.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 41,100 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 areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$42K$20.39/hr1,860
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$40K$19.14/hr4,090
Napa$38K$18.36/hr490
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$38K$18.14/hr650
Vallejo$38K$18.04/hr280
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$37K$17.75/hr15,340
Salinas$36K$17.49/hr610
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$36K$17.38/hr4,720
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$36K$17.33/hr280
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$36K$17.12/hr700
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$35K$17.01/hr570
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$35K$17.01/hr930
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$35K$16.99/hr2,300
Chico$35K$16.91/hr190
Stockton-Lodi$35K$16.86/hr480

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$35K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$43K
90th percentile (senior)
$46K
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Full hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary breakdown in California
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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 $36,640 per year ($17.62/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $31,200. Salaries range from $34,360 to $46,060.

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 $36,640, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in California would take home approximately $2,569/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,213/month, that's 47.2% 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 ($42,400), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($39,810), Napa ($38,200). 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 1.8%. On a $36,640 salary, this means roughly $646/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.