Highest-Paying Hostess Jobs [2026]
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a combination of publicly available government data and insights from thousands of job postings to create updated average salary estimates for hostess jobs across the United States. This analysis identifies the highest-paid types of hostesses based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying hostess positions:
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Caterer/Server is the top-earning hostess role, with an average salary of $33,737 and an hourly pay rate of $16.22.
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The second highest-paying hostess role is Fine Dining Server, earning an average salary of $32,140.
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The overall average salary for hostesses is $26,298 per year, translating to an hourly wage of $12.64.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is a crucial consideration, it’s essential to balance it with job satisfaction and growth potential. For those aspiring to be a hostess, understanding the highest-paying roles can help guide your career trajectory.
Below are the top salaries for various hostess positions:
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Caterer/Server
Average Salary: $33,737
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Fine Dining Server
Average Salary: $32,140
Fine dining servers play a vital role in enhancing the dining experience. They ensure that orders are accurately relayed to the kitchen and manage food and beverage service. Excelling in this position requires a keen attention to detail, strong observational skills, and an understanding of gourmet menus, including extensive wine knowledge.
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Customer Service and Serving
Average Salary: $31,909
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Lead Hostess
Average Salary: $31,365
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Server/Barista
Average Salary: $30,749
A server/barista is responsible for preparing and serving beverages, along with food items. They must effectively communicate menu offerings to customers and maintain quality control. Key skills include strong communication and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for this role.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average pay for various hostess positions, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Hostesses
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterer/Server | |
| 2 | Fine Dining Server | |
| 3 | Customer Service and Serving | |
| 4 | Lead Hostess | |
| 5 | Server/Barista | |
| 6 | Server | |
| 7 | Dining Room Server | |
| 8 | Banquet Server | |
| 9 | Food Runner/Busser | |
| 10 | Server and Hostess | |
| 11 | Room Service Server | |
| 12 | Cocktail Server | |
| 13 | Party Host | |
| 14 | Food Runner | |
| 15 | Food Server | |
| 16 | Waitstaff | |
| 17 | Waitress | |
| 18 | Cashier/Host | |
| 19 | Restaurant Server | |
| 20 | Busser |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available resources from government entities such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
The data science team also reviews job postings and corporate publications for current salary information relevant to hostesses.
After data collection, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Hostess Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid hostess job?
The highest-paid hostess job is a caterer/server. Caterer/Servers earn an average salary of $33,737, which translates to $16.22 per hour.
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What is a good salary for a hostess?
A good salary for a hostess is $26,298 or more. The average hostess salary is $26,298, so those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average paychecks.
However, it is crucial to note that hostess salaries can vary significantly based on location, as employers adjust their pay scales according to the local cost of living. Researching the average salary for your expertise and experience level in your area can provide a clearer picture of your earning potential.
If you are beginning your career as a hostess, it’s important to realize that the average entry-level salary is typically lower, so avoid comparing your initial pay to the overall average, which encompasses all experience levels.
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Do hostess jobs pay well?
No, hostess jobs generally do not pay well. While certain hostess positions may offer better compensation, the average salary of $26,298 falls below the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Additionally, many hostess positions have significant earning potential, especially for the top 10% of earners who can make considerably more.
Hostess salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, so it is important to factor in these elements when seeking a hostess position. Conducting research on the typical pay for hostesses in your area and negotiating based on that information is advised.
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Where do hostesses get paid the most?
Hostesses earn the highest salaries in Nevada. In Nevada, hostesses earn an average annual salary of $25,473, with an hourly wage of $12.25.
Following Nevada, the states with the highest average salaries for hostesses include New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, averaging $27,461, $25,672, and $25,318 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paying hostess salaries are:
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Portland, ME – $27,494
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Boston, MA – $27,461
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New York, NY – $26,416
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
