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Food Service · Pennsylvania

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

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $28,400/year, which is 7% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop takes home approximately $587/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$28K
Median salary in Pennsylvania
-7%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
16,300
Employed in Pennsylvania

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

Gross annual salary$28,400
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$1,999/mo
Median 2BR rent (Pennsylvania)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home70.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$28,400/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$587/mo

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

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employs 16,300 hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington$31K$15.13/hr8,760
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton$30K$14.37/hr1,090
Harrisburg-Carlisle$28K$13.68/hr890
York-Hanover$28K$13.5/hr490
Lancaster$28K$13.47/hr720
State College$28K$13.29/hr250
Lebanon$28K$13.25/hr110
Williamsport$28K$13.22/hr150
Chambersburg$27K$13.18/hr140
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre$27K$13.13/hr540
Reading$27K$13.12/hr350
Gettysburg$27K$13.12/hr130
Pittsburgh$27K$12.82/hr3,010
Erie$26K$12.42/hr340

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

10th percentile (entry)
$18K
25th percentile
$23K
Median (50th)
$28K
75th percentile
$34K
90th percentile (senior)
$39K
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Full hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary breakdown in Pennsylvania
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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 Pennsylvania?

The median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary in Pennsylvania is $28,400 per year ($13.65/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $30,380. Salaries range from $18,200 to $39,470.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $28,400, a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $1,999/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 70.6% 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 Pennsylvania?

The highest paying metro areas for hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($31,470), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($29,880), Harrisburg-Carlisle ($28,460). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $28,400 salary, this means roughly $872/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.