What Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop this way: "Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Provide guests with menus"; "Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas"; "Receive and record patrons' dining reservations"; "Maintain contact with kitchen staff, management, serving staff, and customers to ensure that dining details are handled properly and customers' concerns are addressed"; "Inform patrons of establishment specialties and features".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 444,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 459,500 in 2035, an increase of 15,300 jobs (+3.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 107,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 24.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $31,200, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop earn the most
Across the 17 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $27,210 in Texas to $36,816 in California, a gap of $9,606 (1.35 times). 12 of those 17 states average above the BLS national median of $31,200 and 5 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 40,960, which is 11.4% of the 360,730 counted across them. Florida follows with 36,720.
Highest-paying states
California ($36,816), District of Columbia ($36,360) and New York ($35,922) lead the ranking, while Texas ($27,210) and Georgia ($27,793) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop: pay against the cost of living
We compare 20 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $10,594. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $10,831 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 9 of the 20 markets and falls short in 11. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 41.6% and 109.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-9000) include Dishwashers and Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers.
Frequently asked questions about Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
What is the national median wage for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $31,200. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $27,210 to $36,816.
Which state pays Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $36,816. District of Columbia is next at $36,360.
What is the job outlook for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 107,100 openings a year.
What education do Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $10,594 on a median wage of $36,360.