If you are looking for a restaurant host salary in the USA, this job usually pays around $15 per hour at the national median, or about $31,200 per year based on the latest May 2025 federal wage data. A restaurant host is one of the first people a customer meets when entering a restaurant, and the job can include greeting guests, managing the waiting list, taking reservations, giving menus, assigning tables and helping the dining room run in a smooth way. Restaurant host pay can be different by state, restaurant type, experience, work schedule and employer. Some restaurant hosts work part time, while others get more regular full-time hours. In places with busy restaurants, hotels, resorts or higher local wages, the restaurant host salary can be higher. People also search for restaurant hostess salary, restaurant host hourly pay, entry level restaurant host salary and how much does a restaurant host make, and all of these can depend on the exact restaurant and location.
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Restaurant Host Salary in the USA
The restaurant host salary in the United States is generally an hourly paid job, and the latest federal data gives a median wage of $15.00 per hour for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop. At a full 2,080 hours in a year, that median hourly wage comes to about $31,200 per year. But this does not mean every host gets $31,200. Some workers earn less than this amount and some earn more, because restaurant host wages change with location, experience, restaurant type, hours and other pay conditions. The May 2025 BLS wage distribution shows the lower 10 percent below $22,340 per year and the upper 10 percent above $43,990 per year.
| Restaurant Host Pay Level | Annual Pay | Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lower 10% | Below $22,340 | Below $10.74 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,570 | $13.25 |
| National Median | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Upper 10% | Above $43,990 | Above $21.15 |
The median is useful because it shows the middle of the occupation, but it should not be confused with a starting salary. A new restaurant host may begin at a lower hourly rate, while a host working in a higher wage market or a more demanding restaurant may earn more. Salary.com, using its own compensation data, reported an average Restaurant Host salary of about $29,021 per year or $14 per hour as of September 1, 2026. That figure is different from the BLS median because the sources use different methods and should be viewed separately.
Restaurant Host Salary by State
Restaurant host salary by state can be quite different across the United States. The May 2025 federal wage estimates show a national median of $31,200, but state median wages range from $47,070 in Hawaii to $21,990 in Mississippi among the jurisdictions with published estimates. These numbers are not adjusted for the cost of living, so a higher wage in one state does not automatically mean more purchasing power. Restaurant host pay can also be different inside the same state, especially between large cities, tourist areas, hotels and smaller communities.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| Oregon | $40,720 | $19.58 |
| District of Columbia | $37,570 | $18.06 |
| Washington | $37,270 | $17.92 |
| Maine | $36,800 | $17.69 |
| California | $36,640 | $17.62 |
| New York | $36,490 | $17.54 |
| Colorado | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| Massachusetts | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Maryland | $34,860 | $16.76 |
| Arizona | $34,740 | $16.70 |
| Connecticut | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| New Jersey | $34,050 | $16.37 |
| New Hampshire | $33,920 | $16.31 |
| Rhode Island | $31,400 | $15.10 |
| Delaware | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Illinois | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Nevada | $31,170 | $14.99 |
| Vermont | $31,080 | $14.94 |
| Virginia | $30,490 | $14.66 |
| South Dakota | $30,310 | $14.57 |
| Alaska | $30,210 | $14.52 |
| Minnesota | $30,200 | $14.52 |
| Florida | $29,810 | $14.33 |
| Utah | $29,610 | $14.24 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,170 | $14.02 |
| Missouri | $29,130 | $14.00 |
| Michigan | $28,950 | $13.92 |
| Montana | $28,910 | $13.90 |
| North Dakota | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| New Mexico | $28,480 | $13.69 |
| Nebraska | $28,450 | $13.68 |
| North Carolina | $28,320 | $13.62 |
| Iowa | $28,210 | $13.56 |
| Kansas | $28,110 | $13.51 |
| Wisconsin | $28,060 | $13.49 |
| Georgia | $27,850 | $13.39 |
| Ohio | $27,550 | $13.25 |
| Tennessee | $27,490 | $13.22 |
| Idaho | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| Kentucky | $27,100 | $13.03 |
| Texas | $27,080 | $13.02 |
| South Carolina | $27,000 | $12.98 |
| Indiana | $26,920 | $12.94 |
| Arkansas | $26,760 | $12.87 |
| Alabama | $26,130 | $12.56 |
| Oklahoma | $24,740 | $11.89 |
| West Virginia | $24,420 | $11.74 |
| Wyoming | $22,660 | $10.89 |
| Louisiana | $22,060 | $10.61 |
| Mississippi | $21,990 | $10.57 |
What Does a Restaurant Host Do?
A restaurant host is mainly responsible for the first part of the customer's dining experience. The host usually welcomes people when they arrive, checks reservations, manages the waiting list and helps guests get seated. In a busy restaurant, the host also needs to know which tables are available and how the seating rotation is working. This means the job is not only saying hello at the front door. A good host has to communicate with servers, managers and kitchen staff while also paying attention to customers who are waiting.
- Greet customers when they enter the restaurant.
- Provide menus and explain basic restaurant information.
- Seat guests at available tables or waiting areas.
- Manage reservations and waiting lists.
- Assign tables according to restaurant seating procedures.
- Communicate with servers and restaurant management.
- Answer customer questions about the restaurant.
- Help handle customer concerns and seating problems.
- Check dining areas for proper setup and cleanliness.
- Help other restaurant workers when the restaurant is busy.
Restaurant Host Job Duties
Restaurant host job duties can change depending on the type of restaurant. A small family restaurant may ask the host to help with many different tasks, while a large hotel restaurant may have a more specific front-of-house role. O*NET lists duties such as greeting and seating guests, giving menus, assigning tables, maintaining communication with kitchen and serving staff, answering telephone calls, taking reservations and helping with customer concerns. Some hosts may also help with to-go orders, cash registers, bussing tables or other restaurant work when needed.
- Welcome guests and create a friendly first contact.
- Keep track of reservations and expected customers.
- Manage walk-in customers and waiting times.
- Coordinate table assignments with server rotation.
- Communicate dining details with kitchen and serving staff.
- Respond politely when customers have questions or complaints.
- Answer restaurant phone calls and transfer calls when needed.
- Help keep the entrance and dining areas organized.
- Check that menus and guest areas are ready for customers.
- Assist the restaurant team during busy periods.
Restaurant Host Hourly Pay
Restaurant host hourly pay is one of the most common things people check before applying for this job. The federal median for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop is about $15 per hour, but actual restaurant host pay can be lower or higher depending on the employer and location. A person starting in a small restaurant may get an entry level wage, while someone working in a busy restaurant, hotel, resort or high wage city may receive a higher hourly rate. The number of hours worked also matters because many restaurant hosts are not working a fixed 40 hours every week.
- Lower paid restaurant host jobs can be around $10 to $13 per hour in some markets.
- Many restaurant host jobs can fall around $13 to $18 per hour.
- Higher wage locations and experienced workers can reach $18 to $22 or more per hour.
- Some hotel, resort and upscale restaurant positions may advertise higher hourly rates.
- Overtime, bonuses or other extra payments can change total income.
How Much Does a Restaurant Host Make a Year?
How much does a restaurant host make a year depends mostly on hourly wage and how many hours the person actually works. At the federal median wage of $15 per hour, working 40 hours every week for 52 weeks would equal about $31,200 before taxes. But many hosts work part time, so their real annual income can be lower. For example, a worker making $15 per hour and working 25 hours each week would earn about $19,500 before taxes if the person worked that schedule all year. A full-time schedule is not guaranteed in every restaurant.
| Hourly Pay | Approx. Weekly Pay at 40 Hours | Approx. Annual Pay at 40 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| $12 | $480 | $24,960 |
| $14 | $560 | $29,120 |
| $15 | $600 | $31,200 |
| $16 | $640 | $33,280 |
| $18 | $720 | $37,440 |
| $20 | $800 | $41,600 |
| $22 | $880 | $45,760 |
These annual numbers are simple hourly wage calculations and assume 40 paid hours every week for 52 weeks. They are not a promise of what a restaurant host will actually earn. Part-time schedules, unpaid time off, seasonal work and changes in weekly hours can make actual annual income different.
Restaurant Host Salary Per Month
Restaurant host salary per month can be estimated from the hourly rate. At the $15 national median hourly wage, a full-time worker with 40 paid hours per week would have gross monthly earnings of around $2,600 before taxes. A host working fewer hours will earn less, while a worker with a higher hourly wage or additional paid income can earn more. Monthly pay can also change from one month to another when schedules are not fixed.
| Hourly Wage | Approx. Monthly Gross Pay* |
|---|---|
| $12/hour | $2,080 |
| $14/hour | $2,427 |
| $15/hour | $2,600 |
| $16/hour | $2,773 |
| $18/hour | $3,120 |
| $20/hour | $3,467 |
| $22/hour | $3,813 |
*Monthly figures are approximate calculations using annual gross pay divided by 12 and assume 40 paid hours every week. Actual restaurant host income can be different because work schedules are often not exactly the same each week.
Restaurant Host Starting Salary
Restaurant host starting salary is usually lower than the pay of an experienced worker, but there is no single starting salary for every restaurant in America. Many employers hire people without previous restaurant experience and train them after hiring. The starting wage can be affected by the local minimum wage, the restaurant's pay structure, experience and the type of business. A new host may start around the lower part of the local wage range and receive increases after learning the restaurant system.
- Previous restaurant experience can help when applying for a host position.
- Customer service experience can also be useful for a first restaurant host job.
- Some restaurants hire entry level hosts with no direct experience.
- Local minimum wage rules can affect the starting hourly rate.
- Busy restaurants may have different pay structures from smaller restaurants.
- Pay can increase after gaining experience and taking on more responsibilities.
Entry Level Restaurant Host Salary
An entry level restaurant host salary is generally based on the employer's hourly pay rather than a fixed national salary. Entry level workers may be hired for part-time shifts, weekends or evening work. This can be useful for students and people looking for a first customer service job, but it also means annual income can be quite different between two workers who have the same hourly wage. One person may work 20 hours per week and another may work close to 40 hours.
For someone entering this occupation, the important thing is to check the advertised hourly rate, expected weekly hours, scheduling rules and whether the position includes any additional compensation. Looking only at an annual salary number can give the wrong idea when the job is part time.
Restaurant Host Salary With Experience
Experience can help a restaurant host move into positions with more responsibility, although pay increases are not automatic. An experienced host may be trusted with reservations, large groups, busy seating periods, guest complaints and coordination with servers. Some workers also move from host to server, bartender, restaurant supervisor, front-of-house lead or manager positions.
Restaurant host income with experience can therefore come from two different paths. One is staying in the host role and receiving higher pay or more regular hours. The other is using the experience to move into another restaurant position with different responsibilities and a different pay structure.
- Learning reservation and table management systems.
- Handling large groups and busy dining periods.
- Training newer hosts.
- Helping managers with front-of-house operations.
- Handling customer concerns in a professional way.
- Learning point-of-sale and restaurant software.
- Moving into lead host or supervisory work.
Restaurant Host Salary at Different Types of Restaurants
Restaurant host salary can also change by the type of restaurant where a person works. A small local restaurant, casual dining chain, fine dining restaurant, hotel restaurant and resort can all have different pay systems. A more expensive restaurant does not automatically mean the host receives a higher salary, but the job may involve more reservation management, larger parties and higher customer service expectations.
| Restaurant Type | Possible Work Environment | Pay Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Casual | Quick customer turnover | Hourly wage, schedule and local market |
| Casual Dining | Regular table service | Experience and restaurant location |
| Fine Dining | Formal guest service | Experience, service standards and location |
| Hotel Restaurant | Hotel guests and restaurant customers | Hotel pay structure and experience |
| Resort Restaurant | Tourist and seasonal customers | Location, season and employer |
| Large Restaurant Group | Standardized restaurant systems | Company pay structure and position |
Restaurant Host Tips and Extra Income
Tips are an important question when people search for restaurant host income. Unlike servers, restaurant hosts do not always receive direct customer tips. Some restaurants have a tip-sharing or tip-pooling system where hosts may receive a portion of tips collected by the front-of-house team. Other restaurants pay hosts only their hourly wage or may provide bonuses instead. The exact arrangement depends on the employer and applicable state and local rules.
Because of this, a person should not automatically add server-level tips to a restaurant host salary estimate. Before accepting a job, it can be useful to ask whether hosts participate in a tip pool, whether there are bonuses and how those payments are calculated.
- Hourly base wage.
- Tip pool or tip-sharing payments where applicable.
- Performance or attendance bonuses at some employers.
- Holiday or special-event pay where offered.
- Overtime pay when applicable under wage laws.
- Employee discounts or meal benefits, depending on the restaurant.
Restaurant Host Benefits
Benefits for restaurant hosts are not the same at every employer. Part-time restaurant workers may receive fewer benefits than full-time employees, while large restaurant groups, hotels and other bigger employers may offer a more formal benefits package. Benefits should be checked directly in the job posting or with the employer because an hourly salary number does not tell the complete compensation.
- Employee meals or restaurant discounts.
- Paid time off at some employers.
- Health insurance for eligible employees at some companies.
- Retirement plan options at some larger employers.
- Flexible scheduling in some restaurants.
- Employee discount programs.
- Training and opportunities for promotion.
Restaurant Host Work Hours
Restaurant host work hours are often different from a normal Monday to Friday office job. Restaurants can be busiest during lunch, dinner, weekends and holidays, so hosts may be scheduled during evenings, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Some restaurants also need hosts for breakfast shifts, especially hotels and large dining operations. Part-time schedules are common in food service, and weekly hours can change based on the restaurant's customer demand.
- Morning shifts in restaurants serving breakfast.
- Lunch shifts during the middle of the day.
- Evening shifts during dinner service.
- Weekend shifts when restaurants are busy.
- Holiday shifts depending on restaurant operations.
- Seasonal work in tourist areas and resort locations.
Restaurant Host Job Requirements
Restaurant host job requirements are usually not as strict as jobs that require a professional license or college degree. Many employers focus on communication, customer service, reliability and the ability to stay calm in a busy environment. A high school diploma may be preferred by some employers, but requirements can vary. Training is often provided on the job for restaurant procedures, seating systems, reservations and company rules.
- Good communication with customers and coworkers.
- Friendly and professional customer service.
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods during a shift.
- Ability to organize reservations and waiting lists.
- Basic computer or reservation-system skills can be helpful.
- Ability to work during busy periods.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends or holidays when scheduled.
- Ability to handle customer questions in a polite way.
Restaurant Host Education and Training
Restaurant host jobs usually do not require a special college degree. Many people start this work with a high school education or equivalent, while some employers may hire workers based mainly on customer service skills and attitude. New employees normally learn the restaurant's seating system, reservation process, menu basics, customer service rules and other daily procedures during training. The amount of training can be different depending on the restaurant.
- High school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.
- Previous customer service experience can be useful.
- Restaurant experience can help but is not always required.
- New hosts may receive on-the-job training.
- Training can include reservation and table management software.
- Workers learn restaurant policies and customer service procedures.
Skills Needed to Become a Restaurant Host
A restaurant host needs good people skills because the position deals with customers from the moment they enter the restaurant. The host also has to communicate with servers, managers and sometimes kitchen employees. During busy periods there can be many customers waiting at the same time, so staying organized is important. A person does not need to be perfect to start this job, but being polite, dependable and comfortable talking with different people can make the work easier.
- Communication skills.
- Customer service skills.
- Organization and time management.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to stay calm during busy periods.
- Problem solving skills.
- Good listening skills.
- Professional and friendly behavior.
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
Is Restaurant Host a Good Entry Level Job?
Restaurant host can be an entry level job for people who want to start working in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Many host positions focus more on customer service and reliability than on a long list of formal qualifications. It can also give a worker experience with customers, reservations, restaurant operations and teamwork. Someone who later wants to become a server, bartender, supervisor or restaurant manager can use this experience as a starting point, although promotion depends on the employer and the worker's skills.
The job can also fit people looking for part-time work. Students, people starting their first job and workers looking for flexible schedules may find host positions that offer part-time shifts. The actual schedule depends on the restaurant and local demand.
Restaurant Host Career Growth
Restaurant host work can be a starting point for a longer restaurant career. A host who learns the operation of the dining room may take on additional responsibilities over time. Some workers move into lead host positions, while others move to serving, bartending or supervisory jobs. Restaurant management is another possible path for people who gain experience and develop leadership skills.
- Restaurant Host
- Lead Host
- Server
- Bartender
- Front-of-House Supervisor
- Restaurant Supervisor
- Assistant Restaurant Manager
- Restaurant Manager
These career paths are not automatic promotions. Each restaurant has its own hiring and promotion process, and the pay can be very different between positions.
Restaurant Host Salary Factors
There is no single salary number that applies to every restaurant host in the United States. Several things can change restaurant host wages. Location is one of the biggest factors because local wage levels and labor markets are different. The restaurant type, experience, number of weekly hours, shift schedule and employer can also affect total income.
- Location: Pay can be different from one state or city to another.
- Experience: Experienced workers may qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Restaurant type: Hotels, resorts and different restaurant formats can have different pay structures.
- Hours: A full-time schedule produces more annual income than a part-time schedule at the same hourly wage.
- Shift: Evening, weekend and holiday schedules can affect available hours and sometimes additional compensation.
- Employer: Different companies can offer different wages and benefits for similar host jobs.
- Responsibilities: A host handling reservations, large parties or additional front-of-house tasks may have different compensation.
Restaurant Host Salary California
Restaurant host salary in California is higher than the national median in the latest May 2025 federal state data. The median annual wage for hosts and hostesses in California was about $36,640, equal to around $17.62 per hour. California also has many different restaurant markets, so wages can vary between cities and employers. A restaurant host in a large metropolitan or tourist market may see different job offers from someone working in a smaller community.
California restaurant host jobs can also be found in casual restaurants, fine dining businesses, hotels, resorts and large restaurant groups. When comparing jobs, workers should look at the hourly wage together with expected weekly hours and benefits rather than only the annualized salary.
Restaurant Host Salary New York
Restaurant host salary in New York was about $36,490 per year at the median in the May 2025 federal state data, or around $17.54 per hour. New York has a large restaurant and hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels and tourist destinations. Because wages and schedules can vary by employer and location, the actual offer for a host job may be different from the state median.
People searching for restaurant host jobs in New York should check the hourly rate, expected shifts and whether the position is full time or part time. This is especially important because a yearly income estimate assumes a consistent number of paid hours.
Restaurant Host Salary Texas
Restaurant host salary in Texas was about $27,080 per year at the median in May 2025, which works out to about $13.02 per hour. Texas has a large number of restaurants and hospitality businesses, and individual employers can offer different wages depending on the local labor market and restaurant type.
For someone comparing a Texas restaurant host job, the advertised hourly rate and expected weekly schedule are important. Two jobs with the same hourly pay can produce very different annual income if one offers substantially fewer weekly hours.
How Much Do Restaurant Hosts Make Per Hour?
How much do restaurant hosts make per hour is mainly determined by the employer and location. The national median from the May 2025 federal data is $15 per hour. State median wages show why location matters, with higher and lower wage levels across the country. Individual job postings can also be above or below a state median.
- National median: about $15.00 per hour.
- California median: about $17.62 per hour.
- New York median: about $17.54 per hour.
- Texas median: about $13.02 per hour.
- Hawaii median: about $22.63 per hour.
- Mississippi median: about $10.57 per hour.
These figures are state median wage estimates for the occupation, not guaranteed offers for every restaurant host.
Restaurant Host vs Restaurant Hostess Salary
Restaurant host and restaurant hostess usually refer to the same type of restaurant front-of-house position. The word hostess has traditionally been used for a female host, while host is now commonly used as a gender-neutral job title. Salary is generally based on the position and employer rather than whether the job title says host or hostess.
Because of this, people searching for restaurant hostess salary can use the same federal occupation data for hosts and hostesses in restaurants, lounges and coffee shops. Individual companies may still use either title in their job postings.
Restaurant Host Jobs and Salary
Restaurant host jobs can be found in many types of food service businesses. Job advertisements may use titles such as restaurant host, hostess, host/hostess, front desk host or guest service host. The actual responsibilities should be checked because some employers combine host duties with other front-of-house work.
- Restaurant Host
- Restaurant Hostess
- Host/Hostess
- Dining Room Host
- Guest Service Host
- Front-of-House Host
- Hotel Restaurant Host
- Resort Restaurant Host
Restaurant Host Income Before Taxes
Restaurant host income figures shown in salary reports are normally gross pay before federal, state and other applicable deductions. A worker receiving $2,600 in gross monthly pay will not necessarily take home $2,600. Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance and other deductions can reduce the final paycheck. The exact take-home amount depends on the worker's tax situation and benefits.
For this reason, restaurant host salary should be compared using gross wages first, and then the worker can estimate net income based on their own situation. Annual salary calculations also need to consider whether the job actually provides 40 paid hours every week.
Restaurant Host Job Outlook and Employment
Restaurant host work is part of the larger food service and hospitality labor market. Employment opportunities can be affected by restaurant openings and closures, tourism, local population, consumer spending and seasonal demand. Restaurants in tourist destinations may have additional hiring during busy seasons, while some businesses may reduce schedules during slower periods.
The federal occupational data groups restaurant hosts with hosts and hostesses in restaurants, lounges and coffee shops. Because the occupation is connected to customer-facing food service, local restaurant activity is an important part of finding available jobs.
How to Increase Restaurant Host Pay
A restaurant host who wants to increase income can focus on skills that are useful for more responsible front-of-house positions. Learning reservation systems, customer service, restaurant operations and team coordination can make a worker more useful to an employer. Getting experience with busy restaurants can also help when applying for another position, although higher pay is never guaranteed.
- Build strong customer service experience.
- Learn restaurant reservation software.
- Become comfortable handling large parties.
- Learn more about front-of-house operations.
- Take on additional responsibilities when available.
- Develop communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ask about lead host or supervisory opportunities.
- Compare hourly wages when looking at new job offers.
- Consider restaurants, hotels and resorts with different pay structures.
Final Restaurant Host Salary Overview
Restaurant host salary in the USA is generally an hourly wage position, with the latest May 2025 federal data showing a national median of about $31,200 per year or $15 per hour. Actual restaurant host pay can be different because workers may be part time, work different numbers of hours and live in areas with different wage levels. State salary differences are also significant, and individual restaurant jobs can be above or below the state median.
For someone considering this career, restaurant host work can provide an entry point into food service and hospitality without requiring a specialized college degree. The work includes greeting customers, managing reservations, seating guests and communicating with the restaurant team. Experience can also lead to other front-of-house positions. When comparing a restaurant host job, it is useful to look at hourly pay, expected weekly hours, schedule, benefits, tip-sharing rules and opportunities for additional responsibility instead of looking only at the advertised yearly salary.