Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in California
In California, hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops earn $35,910 at the median — $17.26 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $46K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $36K get you in California?
About hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K.Top earners bring in $46K or more - a $12K spread from bottom to top.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $43K | +42% | 2,320 |
| New York | $37K | +22% | 17,350 |
| District of Columbia | $37K | +22% | 2,320 |
| Washington | $37K | +20% | 9,770 |
| California | $36K | +18% | 42,450 |
| Maine | $35K | +16% | 1,460 |
| Alaska | $35K | +15% | 820 |
| Massachusetts | $35K | +15% | 11,280 |
| New Jersey | $34K | +13% | 7,940 |
| Oregon | $34K | +13% | 4,450 |
| Arizona | $34K | +12% | 10,860 |
| Connecticut | $34K | +11% | 4,490 |
| Vermont | $33K | +8% | 1,040 |
| Maryland | $32K | +6% | 6,450 |
| Illinois | $31K | +2% | 12,500 |
Track hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops make in California?
The median is $35,910 a year - that works out to about $17.26 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,630, and experienced hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops can clear $45,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,523/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 87.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary is worth about $35,910 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.