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Food Service · North Carolina

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

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops in North Carolina earn a median salary of $26,560/year, which is 13% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop takes home approximately $436/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$27K
Median salary in North Carolina
-13%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
13,870
Employed in North Carolina

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

Gross annual salary$26,560
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$1,848/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home76.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$26,560/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$436/mo

Becoming a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 13,870 hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops. The highest concentrations are in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia and Durham-Chapel Hill.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$29K$13.74/hr3,910
Durham-Chapel Hill$28K$13.54/hr660
Asheville$27K$13.13/hr740
Raleigh-Cary$27K$12.94/hr2,030
Greensboro-High Point$27K$12.79/hr790
Burlington$26K$12.32/hr230
Rocky Mount$25K$12.13/hr90
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$25K$11.87/hr200
Wilmington$24K$11.77/hr970
Greenville$24K$11.33/hr290
Goldsboro$23K$10.98/hr140
Jacksonville$23K$10.93/hr250
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$23K$10.88/hr350
Fayetteville$23K$10.84/hr350
Winston-Salem$22K$10.78/hr730

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$18K
25th percentile
$22K
Median (50th)
$27K
75th percentile
$30K
90th percentile (senior)
$36K
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Full hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary breakdown in North Carolina
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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 North Carolina?

The median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary in North Carolina is $26,560 per year ($12.77/hr). This is 13% below the national median of $30,380. Salaries range from $18,330 to $36,240.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $26,560, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in North Carolina would take home approximately $1,848/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 76.4% 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 North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops in North Carolina are Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($28,570), Durham-Chapel Hill ($28,160), Asheville ($27,310). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $26,560 salary, this means roughly $1,195/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.