Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in New Jersey
In New Jersey, hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops earn $34,270 at the median — $16.48 an hour. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $43K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $34K get you in New Jersey?
About hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New Jersey
Entry-level hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $34K.Top earners bring in $43K or more - a $11K 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 New Jersey numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops make in New Jersey?
The median is $34,270 a year - that works out to about $16.48 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,470, and experienced hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops can clear $42,940. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $34K enough to live in New Jersey?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,420/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,792/month (median of metro areas), which eats 74% 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey 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 $34,270 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.