Average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Hosts and Hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops earn an average annual salary of $25,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,990, indicating that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,630.
- Outlook: The local job market for Hosts and Hostesses in Fort Smith, AR-OK, comprises approximately 210 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for this specific occupation within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-19.8%below the national average.
$12.3
$493
$2,138
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Hosts and Hostesses have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments across the service industry. This gradual increase is typical for roles that are essential to hospitality operations.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Hosts and Hostesses typically correlates with experience and the scope of responsibilities. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in managing guest flow, handling reservations, and potentially supervising junior staff can command higher salaries, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,245 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,600 | $12.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,075 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,630 | $14.2 |
Detailed Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,660 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, making the take-home pay relatively stable in terms of local expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.127
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that the presence of Hosts and Hostesses in Fort Smith, AR-OK, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary | $27,320↑ 6% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary | $25,390↓ 1% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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 Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $25,660. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $29,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 19.8% lower than the national median of $31,990.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,660 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,990, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($27,320) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the total workforce size affect job prospects for Hosts and Hostesses in Fort Smith?
With a local workforce of 210, the job market is moderately sized, suggesting consistent opportunities without extreme competition, though the lower concentration (LQ 0.77) implies fewer roles relative to other occupations compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 2.127 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand individuals employed in Fort Smith, approximately two are Hosts and Hostesses, providing a localized perspective on the prevalence of this role.
Does experience significantly impact Host/Hostess salaries in Fort Smith?
Yes, as with most service roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior Hosts and Hostesses often earn more due to their expertise in customer service, operational efficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith compare to other areas?
Fort Smith's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning it is the national average. This suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.127 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK