Waitress Salary in Athens, GA
Waitresses in Athens, GA, in 2025, earn approximately $15.81 per hour, which translates to about $632.40 per week, $2,740.40 per month, and $32,884.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Athens is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for service roles in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Athens, GA?
The salary of a Waitress in Athens can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.61 | $384.40 | $1,661.87 | $19,942.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.81 | $632.40 | $2,740.40 | $32,884.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.03 | $1,041.20 | $4,507.87 | $54,062.40 |
Do Waitresses in Athens Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Athens typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. They can make an extra $10 per hour in tips on a busy day, which significantly boosts their overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Athens vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.36 per hour, translating to about $36,108.80 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Athens earn slightly less, at about $15.81 per hour and $32,884.80 annually. This difference may reflect local cost of living and demand factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Athens for Waitresses
When looking at nearby areas, Waitress salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown: $16.50 per hour
- Five Points: $17.00 per hour
Waitresses working in Five Points tend to earn the highest pay among nearby areas, benefiting from bustling food and nightlife scenes.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Athens?
There are several key factors that influence how much a Waitress earns in Athens, GA:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses with strong customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and bars usually offer better base pay and tipping opportunities than casual diners or fast food locations.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts can provide more tips and sometimes shift differentials.
- Local Demand: Busy areas with high foot traffic increase potential earnings.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of food safety and alcohol service certifications can make a candidate more attractive and sometimes lead to higher pay.
How To Become a Waitress in Athens
Embarking on a career as a Waitress in Athens involves several important steps:
- Gain Basic Experience: Starting in customer service roles or entry-level food service helps build necessary skills.
- Complete Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Programs like the Athens Technical College Culinary Arts Program or the University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management provide useful training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification are commonly required by employers to ensure knowledge of food safety and responsible alcohol service.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Being personable and efficient greatly benefits job performance and tip earnings.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Athens
Several prominent local establishments frequently hire skilled Waitresses, including:
- The National
- Five & Ten
- Last Resort Grill
- South Kitchen + Bar
- The Grit
Establishments That Waitresses in Athens Work At
Waitresses in Athens typically work in a range of food service settings, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer steady work and modest tip opportunities.
- Fast Casual Venues: These provide a faster pace but usually lower tips and base wages.
- Upscale Restaurants and Bars: Tend to offer the highest base pay and tip potential, especially for experienced Waitresses.
- Cafes and Coffee Shops: May provide consistent schedules but typically lower earnings.
The type and prestige of the establishment can significantly impact both the hourly wage and potential tips, with more premium venues generally paying better.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Athens for Waitresses
If you are considering similar roles within the hospitality industry, here are a few careers related to Waitressing:
These include Fine Dining Server, Server, and Backwaiter positions, which share similar skills and may offer different wage and tip structures.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Athens
Waitresses should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax responsibilities to manage their employment conditions and earnings effectively.
- For state-specific labor laws and employment regulations, visit the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- For federal tax information and employer guidelines, see the Internal Revenue Service website.