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Host (restaurant, lounge and coffee shop): pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$31,200median pay per year, or $15.00 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $22,340lowest 10% earn less
  2. $27,57025th percentile
  3. $31,200median
  4. $36,25075th percentile
  5. $43,990top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

A host in a restaurant, lounge or coffee shop earned a median of $31,200 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, close to the 3.5% rate for all occupations[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+3.4%[2]
Openings per year
107,100[6]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[7]

How much do hosts make?

The median wage for a host was $31,200 a year, or $15.00 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $32,690 a year, or $15.72 an hour[8].

The median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[5]. So the typical host earned less than the typical worker overall.

Here is the spread of annual pay[4]:

Percentile Annual wage Hourly wage
10th[4][9] $22,340 $10.74
25th[4][9] $27,570 $13.25
Median[1] $31,200 $15.00
75th[4][9] $36,250 $17.43
90th[4][9] $43,990 $21.15

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $22,340, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $43,990[4]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[10]. These figures count part-time and full-time wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits[11]. About 432,690 people held these jobs[12].

Pay by state and city

Hawaii had the highest state median at $47,070, followed by Oregon at $40,720 and the District of Columbia at $37,570[13]. Mississippi had the lowest listed median at $21,990[13].

California had the most jobs at 41,100, then Florida at 37,100 and Texas at 35,550[14]. Among metro areas, Urban Honolulu, HI had the highest median at $47,110, followed by Kahului-Wailuku, HI at $45,240[15]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs at 18,530, with a median of $36,500[16].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Hawaii[13]$47,0702,650
Oregon$40,7205,740
District of Columbia$37,5702,450
Washington$37,2709,530
Maine$36,8001,460
California$36,64041,100
New York$36,49018,640
Colorado$36,3409,490
Massachusetts$34,96013,540
Maryland$34,8607,390
Arizona$34,74010,710
Connecticut$34,2103,670
New Jersey$34,0509,420
New Hampshire$33,9202,130
Rhode Island$31,400n/a
Delaware$31,2001,680
Illinois$31,20016,500
Nevada$31,1706,570
Vermont$31,0801,060
Virginia$30,49010,890
South Dakota$30,310630
Alaska$30,210740
Minnesota$30,2007,150
Florida$29,81037,100
Utah$29,6104,950
Pennsylvania$29,17018,020
Missouri$29,1308,510
Michigan$28,95012,620
Montana$28,9101,260
North Dakota$28,660800
New Mexico$28,4802,670
Nebraska$28,4502,830
North Carolina$28,32015,160
Iowa$28,2102,630
Kansas$28,1104,540
Wisconsin$28,0606,430
Georgia$27,85017,300
Ohio$27,55015,480
Tennessee$27,49011,280
Idaho$27,2802,360
Kentucky$27,1005,120
Texas$27,08035,550
South Carolina$27,0007,990
Indiana$26,9209,730
Arkansas$26,7603,110
Alabama$26,1305,400
Oklahoma$24,7405,060
West Virginia$24,4201,580
Wyoming$22,660660
Louisiana$22,0606,440
Mississippi$21,9902,660

How to become a host

The typical path needs little up front[7]:

The Occupational Outlook Handbook profile covers a wider group of food and beverage serving jobs, so its training details describe that group[17]. It says training may last from a few days to several weeks[18]. Workers often learn by watching and working with experienced staff[19]. Where alcohol is served, some states, counties and cities require a few hours of training on alcohol sale laws[20].

In an ONET survey of 22 workers, 42% said less than a high school diploma is required and 29% said a high school diploma or equivalent[21]. ONET puts the job in a zone where little to some preparation is needed[22].

Some workers in the wider group move up to waiter, waitress or bartender roles, or to supervisor positions[23].

What hosts do

O*NET describes the job as welcoming patrons, seating them and helping keep facilities and service in good shape[24]. Typical tasks include[25]:

O*NET sample titles include greeter, seater and dining coordinator[26].

Where they work

The Handbook profile for the wider group says food services and drinking places employed 81% of workers in 2025[27]. Workers spend most of a shift on their feet and can face pressure during busy dining periods[28]. Slips, cuts and burns are common injuries in restaurant areas[29].

Part-time work is common, and shifts often include early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays[30]. Work can be seasonal[31]. Only 2% of workers were self-employed in 2025[32].

Job outlook

Employment is projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 444,200 to 459,500 jobs, a change of 15,300[2]. For all occupations, the projected rate is 3.5%[3]. These counts include self-employed workers[2].

About 107,100 openings a year are projected on average[6]. Openings come from workers who leave or switch occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 12.1% of workers leave the labor force and 11.2% move to a different occupation[33].

Is it a good fit?

The facts show a job with a low barrier to entry: no formal credential, no related experience and short-term training[7]. Pay is below the all-occupation median, at $31,200[1][5]. Growth is close to the all-occupation rate[2][3]. Many openings come from turnover[6][33]. The job suits people who are fine with time on their feet and with evening, weekend and holiday shifts[28][30].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[34].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a host make an hour?
The median was $15.00 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $10.74 and the 90th was $21.15[9].
What education do you need to be a host?
No formal educational credential is typically needed[7].
How long is training for a host?
Short-term on-the-job training is typical[7]. For the wider group, it may last from a few days to several weeks[18].
Is the host job in demand?
Jobs are projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, and about 107,100 openings a year are projected[2][6].
Which state pays hosts the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $47,070[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in the US was $31,200 per year and $15.00 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop is projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 444,200 to 459,500 jobs (a change of +15,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: 10th percentile $22,340, 25th percentile $27,570, 75th percentile $36,250, 90th percentile $43,990. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 107,100 openings for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: education needed for entry: No formal educational credential; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop was $32,690 per year and $15.72 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: 10th percentile $10.74, 25th percentile $13.25, 75th percentile $17.43, 90th percentile $21.15. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 432,690 people were employed as Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop jobs: California 41,100; Florida 37,100; Texas 35,550; New York 18,640; Pennsylvania 18,020. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop (areas with at least 100 jobs): Urban Honolulu, HI $47,110; Kahului-Wailuku, HI $45,240; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $43,410; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $42,400; Grants Pass, OR $40,890; Bend, OR $40,090; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $39,810; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $38,430. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 18,530 (median $36,500); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 15,340 (median $36,920); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 13,390 (median $31,720); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 11,940 (median $28,560); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 10,580 (median $35,140); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 10,440 (median $32,280). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers" covers Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. O*NET 35-9031.00 survey of workers (22 respondents), education level they say is required: Less than a High School Diploma 42%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 29%, Some College Courses 16%, Bachelor's Degree 13% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  22. O*NET 35-9031.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET description of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 35-9031.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Buffet Hostess, Dining Coordinator, Greeter, Host, Host Coordinator, Hostess, Private Dining Coordinator, Seater. O*NET OnLine
  27. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of food and beverage serving and related workers in 2025: Food services and drinking places 81%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: 2% of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: 12.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 11.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.