Average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Birmingham, AL
Hosts and Hostesses in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $25,760, which is notably below the national average of $31,990. This disparity is often influenced by the local economic landscape and the specific demand for these roles within the Birmingham metropolitan area. Factors such as the cost of doing business and the overall wage structure in the region contribute to this difference.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,090 individuals in this role, Birmingham presents a moderate employment base for Hosts and Hostesses. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Birmingham compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 2.098 jobs per 1,000 workers reinforces this outlook, pointing to a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Birmingham, AL earns-19.5%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,147
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Birmingham is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Hosts and Hostesses have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage regulations, and a desire by employers to retain staff in a competitive service industry. Therefore, current earnings likely reflect a modest upward adjustment from previous years.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Hosts and Hostesses typically involves gaining experience and developing advanced customer service and operational skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in managing front-of-house operations can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify this career trajectory, with senior roles often falling into the higher salary brackets due to increased responsibility and proven expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,200 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,320 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,450 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,200 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,200 | $14.5 |
Detailed Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,760 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within Birmingham is comparable to the national average. Residents can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country, though significant savings or discretionary spending may be limited.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
2.098
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.76x the national average concentration of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that the concentration of Hosts and Hostesses in Birmingham, AL, is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local job market. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Birmingham, AL is $25,760. This typically ranges from $19,200 for entry-level positions to $30,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 19.5% lower than the national median of $31,990.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,760 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($23,900) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect Host/Hostess salaries in Birmingham?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior roles commanding higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and proven skills in customer service and operations management.
What is the job market like for Hosts and Hostesses in Birmingham?
The job market is moderately stable, with a sufficient number of roles available but not an overwhelming concentration compared to the national average, indicating steady demand.
Does the Cost of Living in Birmingham impact the Host/Hostess salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index being at 100 means that the $25,760 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there many job opportunities for Hosts and Hostesses in Birmingham?
There are a notable number of jobs, with 2.098 positions per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent employment opportunities within the local hospitality sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,090 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 2.098 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Birmingham, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Birmingham, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL