In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Hosts and Hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops earn an average annual salary of $26,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,990. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the hospitality sector in Lexington-Fayette contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 990 individuals in this role, Lexington-Fayette demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.26. This suggests a stable, if not slightly elevated, demand for Hosts and Hostesses within the region's hospitality industry, implying a consistent job market.
Salary Overview
The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-16.5%below the national average.
$12.8
$513
$2,225
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Hosts and Hostesses in Lexington-Fayette have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in the cost of living or minimum wage adjustments. This suggests a slowly improving earning potential for those in the role.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for Hosts and Hostesses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected salary range likely widens significantly with experience, with senior staff commanding higher compensation than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,980 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,025 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,440 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,375 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,540 | $16.6 |
Detailed Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,700 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
990
Total Jobs
3.504
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates that Hosts and Hostesses are more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette compared to the national average. This suggests a slightly more robust job market for this specific occupation within the region, potentially offering more opportunities or a more competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $26,700. This typically ranges from $21,980 for entry-level positions to $34,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 16.5% lower than the national median of $31,990.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,700 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($23,340) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 990 indicates a substantial presence of this role in Lexington-Fayette, suggesting a consistent demand and a competitive job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.26 mean for Hosts and Hostesses?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of this job in Lexington-Fayette than the national average, implying more job availability relative to other professions.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,700 salary has the same purchasing power in Lexington-Fayette as the national average salary has nationally.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Hosts and Hostesses in Lexington-Fayette?
While specific advancement paths aren't detailed, the stable market and concentration suggest that experienced individuals can likely find roles with increased responsibility and compensation.
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 3.504 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY