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Food Service · Iowa

How to Become a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Iowa

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops in Iowa earn a median salary of $28,210/year, which is 10% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.3%. After taxes and rent, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop takes home approximately -$87/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$28K
Median salary in Iowa
-10%
vs. national average
4.3%
State income tax
2,630
Employed in Iowa

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

Gross annual salary$28,210
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.3% state tax)$1,957/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$2,044/mo
Rent as % of take-home104.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$28,210/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent-$87/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop positions in Iowa typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 2,630 hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops. The highest concentrations are in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island and Iowa City.

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$31K$15/hr410
Iowa City$29K$13.71/hr280
Ames$28K$13.69/hr140
Dubuque$28K$13.63/hr90
Des Moines-West Des Moines$28K$13.59/hr850
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$28K$13.55/hr140
Sioux City$28K$13.5/hr150
Cedar Rapids$28K$13.49/hr220

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

10th percentile (entry)
$22K
25th percentile
$25K
Median (50th)
$28K
75th percentile
$32K
90th percentile (senior)
$41K
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Full hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary breakdown in Iowa
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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 Iowa?

The median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary in Iowa is $28,210 per year ($13.56/hr). This is 10% below the national median of $31,200. Salaries range from $21,880 to $40,550.

What are the requirements to become a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in Iowa?

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop positions in Iowa typically require No formal educational credential. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $28,210, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in Iowa would take home approximately $1,957/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,044/month, that's 104.4% 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 Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops in Iowa are Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($31,200), Iowa City ($28,510), Ames ($28,480). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.3%. On a $28,210 salary, this means roughly $1,227/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.