Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Tennessee
In Tennessee, hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops earn $28,340 at the median — $13.63 an hour. The range runs from $21K at the entry level to $38K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $28K get you in Tennessee?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops (10th percentile) start around $21K. Mid-career wages sit at $28K. Top earners bring in $38K or more, a $17K spread from bottom to top.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop salary by metro in Tennessee
10 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $29K | +3% | 4,030 |
| Jackson | $29K | +3% | 290 |
| Knoxville | $28K | -1% | 1,540 |
| Memphis | $28K | -3% | 1,610 |
| Chattanooga | $27K | -3% | 990 |
| Clarksville | $27K | -3% | 380 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $26K | -7% | 320 |
| Morristown | $25K | -10% | 130 |
| Cleveland | $24K | -16% | 150 |
| Johnson City | $23K | -20% | 270 |
Compare to other states
Track hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops make in Tennessee?
The median is $28,340 a year, that works out to about $14 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $20,740, and experienced hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shops can clear $37,930. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $28K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,068/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 58.8% 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 $31,566 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.