Average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary in Waco, TX
In Waco, TX, Hosts and Hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops earn an average annual salary of $26,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,990, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand in Waco influence compensation for these front-of-house roles. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of hospitality businesses within Waco contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,670.
- Outlook: The job market for Hosts and Hostesses in Waco, TX, appears stable, with a local workforce of 320 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Waco is slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions. The presence of 2.493 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies this outlook, pointing to a consistent need for these service professionals within the local hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Waco, TX earns-17.1%below the national average.
$12.8
$510
$2,210
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Waco is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Hosts and Hostesses have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in minimum wage, coupled with a desire to retain staff in a competitive service industry, likely contributed to modest upward adjustments in compensation, even if the pace of growth was not dramatic.
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression for Hosts and Hostesses typically involves gaining experience and developing advanced customer service and operational skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience, who may take on supervisory duties or specialize in high-volume establishments, can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,320 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,890 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,760 | $12.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,150 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,670 | $17.6 |
Detailed Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,520 for Hosts and Hostesses in Waco, TX, 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 within Waco is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in terms of essential expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.493
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.90x 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 0.9, Waco, TX, exhibits a job market for Hosts and Hostesses that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector in Waco compared to other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment where job seekers can find opportunities without facing extreme competition or a severe lack of openings.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop in Waco, TX is $26,520. This typically ranges from $17,320 for entry-level positions to $36,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 17.1% lower than the national median of $31,990.
Is Waco, TX 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 in Waco is at the national average, the average salary for Hosts and Hostesses is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shops?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($26,740) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience impact Host/Hostess salaries in Waco?
Experience is a key driver for salary increases. Entry-level positions will be at the lower end, while experienced individuals with strong customer service skills and potentially supervisory experience can earn significantly more than the $26,520 average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Waco?
An LQ of 0.9 means Waco has a slightly lower concentration of Host/Hostess jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a stable but not overly dominant presence of these roles within the local job market.
Does the Cost of Living in Waco affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's exactly at the national average. This offsets the lower average salary, making the $26,520 income have comparable purchasing power to the national average.
How does Waco's job market compare nationally for this profession?
Waco's market has a slightly lower concentration of these jobs (LQ 0.9) and a lower average salary ($26,520 vs. $31,990 nationally), indicating it's not a primary hub for this specific hospitality role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 2.493 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 Waco, TX