SalaryNode

Average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, Hosts and Hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops earn an average annual salary of $26,740. This figure falls below the national average of $31,990, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation for these roles. Factors such as the local demand for hospitality services and the overall wage structure in the region contribute to this disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,600.
  • Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 990 individuals in Host and Hostess roles, with 3.676 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.33 suggests a higher concentration of these positions compared to the national average, implying a relatively robust and stable job market for hospitality front-of-house staff in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,740

The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-16.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.9

Weekly

$514

Monthly

$2,228

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Experience significantly impacts earnings for Hosts and Hostesses. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in customer service and restaurant operations can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated skills and a proven track record.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$18,930$9.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,055$9.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,490$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,425$16.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,600$16.6

Detailed Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $26,740 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither exceptionally high nor low.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

3.676

Per 1K Jobs

1.33

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.33, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.33, Chattanooga, TN-GA demonstrates a concentration of Host and Hostess positions that is 33% higher than the national average. This indicates a more competitive or perhaps more abundant job market for these roles compared to other areas, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $26,740. This typically ranges from $18,930 for entry-level positions to $34,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 16.4% lower than the national median of $31,990.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,740 is notably below the national average of $31,990 for this role.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($26,230) and Dalton, GA.

How does experience affect Host/Hostess pay in Chattanooga?

Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level roles will offer less, while senior or lead host positions requiring extensive customer service and operational knowledge will command higher pay.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Chattanooga?

A Location Quotient of 1.33 means there's a higher concentration of Host and Hostess jobs in Chattanooga compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence of these roles in the local economy.

How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare nationally?

Chattanooga's cost of living is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the national standard.

Are there many Host/Hostess jobs in Chattanooga?

With 3.676 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 990 in this role, there is a significant presence of Host and Hostess positions within the Chattanooga labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 3.676 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.