Host/Hostess Salary: How Much Do Hosts Get Paid?

Thinking about becoming a restaurant host? Maybe you enjoy chatting with guests and making their day, but let’s be real: you’re probably in it for the money, too. So, how much does a host get paid? Do hosts make tips? And how can you boost your earnings as a host? Let’s break it all down below.

What is the job outlook for aspiring hosts?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for food and beverage serving and related workers is projected to grow 5% between 2023 and 2033—as fast as the average for all jobs nationwide. But when it comes to host roles specifically, sources say the outlook isn’t quite as strong. In fact, the projected growth for hosts is 0% over the same time period.

That said, hosting can be a solid way to get your foot in the door of the restaurant industry. Host duties build a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and teamwork—all of which are important for advancing to other positions like server, bartender, or even general manager.

How much do hosts get paid?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a restaurant host is $29,220 as of May 2023. Hosts in the top 10% earn around $38,830 per year, while those in the bottom 10% make closer to $21,530.

Sites like Talent.com, which aggregate thousands of publicly reported salaries, show similar numbers. At the time of writing, the site reports the average salary for a host as $29,250, aligning closely with the government’s numbers.

But like any job, salary varies. Online sources are a great benchmark, but one of the best ways to determine how much you should be making (or paying, if you’re hiring a host) is by practicing salary transparency. Connecting with people who have comparable experience—think factors like location, establishment, and seniority—can help paint a more accurate picture of pay.

Do hosts get paid tips?

When a guest leaves a tip, it usually goes to the server—that’s the standard expectation. However, if the restaurant uses a tip pooling system, hosts can receive a portion of those tips.

In a typical tip pool, servers contribute a set percentage of their net sales into a shared pool. For example, if a server has $1,000 in net sales and the restaurant requires a 4% tip-out, they would contribute $40 to the pool at the end of their shift.

That $40 then gets distributed among other team members—which can include back-of-house and front-of-house members (along with hosts). Again, this breakdown will depend on the restaurant, but factors like position, hours worked, and tenure can make a difference.

Some restaurants also allow hosts to accept direct tips from guests if they’re offered. While this can be a nice bonus, it’s not a common practice, so it likely won’t make a big impact on total pay.

How do host salaries compare to others?

Talent.com currently reports the average salary of a restaurant worker as $29,641 per year or $14.25 per hour—which is nearly the same as a host’s average: $29,250 per year or $14.06 per hour. We compare this to the wages of other restaurant roles below, using the source’s live data:

Unsurprisingly, chefs and managers are among the highest earners, with salaries well over $50,000—mainly due to the full-time demand of those roles. Servers and bartenders make slightly more than hosts (likely due to tips), while other front-of-house positions—like barbacks, runners, and bussers—earn about the same.

Keep in mind that these figures are just estimates from one source. Salaries can vary widely based on factors like location, restaurant type, and experience. Plus, in the restaurant world, tips play a huge role—a server or bartender’s earnings may be significantly higher during a good shift.

The average host salary per year, compared by cities

As for any job, where you work can make a big difference in how much you’re paid. So, using live data from Talent.com, we also compare average salaries for hosts across the top 10 most populous U.S. cities below: 

Hosts in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and San Diego are among the highest earners—making 20% to 30% more than the national average. On the flip side, those in Houston Dallas make the least, hovering slightly below average.

With big cities comes higher pay. Restaurants in these areas tend to have extended hours and more foot traffic, which means more shifts to go around. And that demand often leads to higher base wages and better tip pools for hosts.

But it’s also important to keep your local cost of living in mind. Making more in a top city might sound great—but if your rent doubles, that paycheck won’t stretch nearly as far. According to Bankrate.com’s cost of living calculator, if you make the average host salary of $29,250 in Dallas, you’ll need to make $46,334 in New York City to maintain the same standard of living. 

How do hosts get paid? What about total compensation?

Most hosts are paid hourly. Unlike salaried roles, hourly pay depends on the number of hours you work—so while that can be a plus for anyone who values flexibility (such as students), it also comes with a catch: your income can fluctuate. If the restaurant is slow or your hours get cut, your paycheck takes a hit, which can make it harder to plan financially.

But base pay is just one part of the picture. To really understand what you’re earning, it’s worth looking at your total compensation—this includes any perks or benefits beyond your hourly wage. As more restaurants compete for top talent, employee benefits are becoming increasingly common across the industry. Some key components of total compensation include:

Tips – As mentioned, hosts don’t typically get tipped directly by guests, but many restaurants include hosts in a tip pool. This means you might get a portion of the tips that servers or bartenders earn. The specifics vary by place, but there’s usually a formula that splits tips based on factors like position, tenure, and hours worked.

Health insurance – While more common for full-time or salaried staff, health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision) is starting to show up in some hourly roles, too. According to Nerdwallet, employer-sponsored health coverage can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per year. And while the main purpose is financial security, it also offers peace of mind—especially in such a physically demanding role like hosting.

Professional development – If your long-term goal is to move up in the hospitality world—like becoming a server, manager, or operator—hosting can be a great stepping stone. And if the restaurant supports your growth by covering training, certifications, or mentorship opportunities, that’s a huge plus.

Other benefits – Sometimes it’s the smaller perks that really make a job worthwhile. A flexible schedule, a fun team, and a positive work environment can go a long way—especially when your role requires you to be ‘on’ for hours at a time. And let’s be real: free or discounted meals can never hurt, no matter the state of the economy.

How to make more as a host/hostess

Hosting is often seen as an entry point into the restaurant industry, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck at the starting line. There are several ways to boost your earning potential as a host—this includes:

Pick up more shifts – Since hosts are typically paid by the hour, the more you work, the more you earn—so picking up more shifts is a direct way to boost your income. If your schedule allows, you can also consider working at a second restaurant. Or look into short-term gigs, like private events or restaurant parties. These can offer high pay while building up your resume with more experience.

Choose the right establishment – Not all restaurants are created equal. Higher-end spots usually offer better base pay, stronger tip pools, and more consistent scheduling. Plus, working at a well-regarded restaurant can open doors for future opportunities—moving up internally or landing your next role elsewhere.

Look to grow – Hosting can be a strong stepping stone to other (high-paying) hospitality roles, like server, event coordinator, sommelier, or general manager. The experience you gain handling guests and working with a team lays a solid foundation. If your workplace offers cross-training or mentorship opportunities, take full advantage of them. 

A host’s salary, summarized

While exact numbers vary depending on the source, it’s safe to say that the average host in the U.S. makes a bit over $29,000 per year. But that number can shift quite a bit depending on your location, experience, and the type of establishment you work at.

Compared to other roles in the industry, hosts tend to earn less than servers, bartenders, chefs, and managers, but fall closely in line with runners, bussers, and barbacks. That said, hosting can be a great entry point into the restaurant world—especially for those looking to grow into higher-paying front-of-house positions.