Valet Salary in Wilmington, DE
Valets in Wilmington, DE, in 2025, earn approximately $16.50 per hour, which translates to about $660.00 per week, $2,860.00 per month, and $34,320.00 per year.
The demand for Valets in Wilmington is growing steadily at about 2% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job opportunities in this sector over time.
How Much Does a Valet Make in Wilmington, DE?
The salary of a Valet in Wilmington can vary depending on experience and employer, but here’s a breakdown across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.00 | $480.00 | $2,080.00 | $24,960.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.50 | $660.00 | $2,860.00 | $34,320.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Valets in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Yes, Valets often earn tips as a significant part of their income. On average, Valets in Wilmington can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, which can substantially boost their total earnings depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Valet Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
Nationally, Valets earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Valets in Wilmington earn a bit more, about $16.50 per hour and $34,320 annually, which could be due to regional demand and the cost of living in Wilmington.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Valets
Nearby areas with higher pay for Valets include:
- Downtown Wilmington: $17.00 per hour
- Riverfront: $18.00 per hour
These neighborhoods may offer better pay rates due to higher service demands and upscale venues.
What Influences a Valet’s Salary in Wilmington?
Several factors impact how much a Valet can earn in Wilmington:
- Experience and Driving Skills: More experienced Valets with excellent driving ability often command higher wages and better tips.
- Customer Service Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism boost tip earnings and employer preference.
- Type of Establishment: Valets working in upscale hotels, casinos, or fine dining restaurants usually earn more than those in smaller or casual venues.
- Shift Timing: Late-night or weekend shifts can sometimes come with higher pay or more tipping opportunities.
How To Become a Valet in Wilmington
To become a Valet in Wilmington, consider the following key steps:
- Obtain a Valid Driver's License: This is mandatory for legally operating customer vehicles.
- Defensive Driving Certification: Completing a defensive driving course demonstrates advanced driving skills that are highly valued by employers.
- Customer Service Excellence Program: Offered by Delaware Technical Community College, this program focuses on enhancing customer service skills crucial for Valet attendants.
- Defensive Driving Course: Provided by the Delaware Safety Council, this course improves driving skills and safety awareness.
Top Employers Hiring Valets in Wilmington
Key employers in Wilmington who frequently hire Valets include:
- FC Hospitality
- Parking Management Company
- Delaware Park Casino & Racing
Establishments That Valets in Wilmington Work At
Valets in Wilmington typically work in a variety of venues:
- Hotels and Resorts: Usually offer steady hours and competitive pay reflecting the volume of guest vehicles.
- Casinos and Entertainment Venues: Often pay higher wages and provide more tipping opportunities.
- Restaurants and Nightclubs: Pay and tips can vary widely depending on the establishment's prestige.
- Event Centers and Conference Facilities: May offer sporadic work but often come with premium pay during events.
The type of establishment can significantly affect both the base salary and tipping potential of Valets.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Valets
Those interested in a Valet career may also consider roles with similar responsibilities or work environments.
These include Bellhop, Cashier, and Food Delivery Driver roles, which share customer service and operational elements with the Valet position.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Valets in Wilmington
Understanding relevant labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Valets working in Wilmington.
- Visit the Delaware Department of Labor for state labor laws and employment regulations.
- For federal tax information, resources are available at the Internal Revenue Service.
- Local government services and regulations can be found at the City of Wilmington official website.