SalaryNode

Average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Topeka, KS

In Topeka, KS, Hosts and Hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops earn an average annual salary of $26,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,990, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation. The specific economic landscape of Topeka shapes the earning potential for these front-of-house roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,400.
  • Outlook: The job market for Hosts and Hostesses in Topeka, KS, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 270 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant within the local employment structure. This indicates a steady, rather than rapidly expanding, demand for these services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,940

The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Topeka, KS earns-15.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$518

Monthly

$2,245

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS

Career progression for Hosts and Hostesses in Topeka typically involves gaining experience, which can lead to higher pay. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with proven customer service skills and operational knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the hospitality sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,190$8.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,205$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,830$12.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,675$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,400$18

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $26,940 in Topeka, KS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary within Topeka is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the neutral cost of living, making the financial standing comparable to the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

2.397

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Topeka, KS has 0.87x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.87, Topeka, KS, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Hosts and Hostesses compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce. While there is a consistent need for these positions, the slightly below-average concentration implies moderate competition among job seekers and a stable, predictable demand from local establishments.

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 Topeka, KS?

The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Topeka, KS is $26,940. This typically ranges from $17,190 for entry-level positions to $37,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 15.8% lower than the national median of $31,990.

Is Topeka, KS 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 $26,940 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,990 for this role. This indicates less lucrative earning potential in Topeka.

Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?

The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($26,530) and Manhattan, KS.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 2.397 jobs per 1,000 workers, Topeka's concentration of Host and Hostess roles is slightly below the national average, reflecting a moderate presence in the local labor market.

What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?

A Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that Hosts and Hostesses are slightly less common in Topeka relative to the national average, indicating a stable but not booming job market for these positions.

Does experience significantly increase salary for Hosts and Hostesses in Topeka?

Yes, as in most roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior Hosts and Hostesses with extensive experience typically earn more than entry-level staff, reflecting increased responsibility and skill.

How does the Topeka salary compare to surrounding areas?

While specific data for surrounding areas isn't provided, Topeka's average salary for this role is below the national average, suggesting that salaries in neighboring regions might also follow a similar or potentially higher trend depending on their economic profiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 2.397 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.