As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Hostess in the United States is $29,405 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, a Restaurant Hostess's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant Hostess's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Restaurant Hostess's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Restaurant Hostess | $29,507 |
| Intermediate Level Restaurant Hostess | $29,915 |
| Senior Level Restaurant Hostess | $30,614 |
| Specialist Level Restaurant Hostess | $30,709 |
| Expert Level Restaurant Hostess | $30,868 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Restaurant Hostesses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 18.88% |
| Product Quality | 3.25% |
| Hosting | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interviewing
|
$34,110 |
16%
|
|
Goal Oriented
|
$33,816 |
15%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$32,934 |
12%
|
|
Sales Support
|
$32,640 |
11%
|
|
Integrity
|
$32,346 |
10%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$32,052 |
9%
|
For Restaurant Hostess roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Restaurant Hostess positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Restaurant Hostess as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality & Leisure | $32,346 | $16.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant Hostesses enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Restaurant Hostess with a No Diploma is between $23,305 and $24,701).
Restaurant Hostess Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.5% |
| High School | 54.9% |
| Associates | 13.4% |
| Bachelors | 18.3% |
| Masters | 4.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Restaurant Hostess's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Restaurant Hostess can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $28,650 in 2023 to around $28,467 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Restaurant Hostess salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $28,650 |
| 2024 | $28,883 |
| 2025 | $28,467 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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