Waitress Salary in Augusta, GA
Waitresses in Augusta, GA, in 2026, earn approximately $16.57 per hour, translating to about $662.80 per week, $2,872.13 per month, and $34,465.60 per year.
The job outlook for Waitresses in Augusta is positive, with an estimated growth rate of 5% per year, indicating healthy demand and promising career opportunities in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Augusta, GA?
Waitress salaries in Augusta vary based on experience, skills, and employer type. Below is an overview of typical earnings for different experience levels in the area.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.52 | $420.80 | $1,819.47 | $21,881.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.57 | $662.80 | $2,872.13 | $34,465.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.10 | $1,044.00 | $4,513.20 | $54,288.00 |
Do Waitresses in Augusta, GA Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses almost always earn tips as a significant portion of their income. In Augusta, they can earn approximately an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and level of service.
Waitress Salary in Augusta, GA vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn about $17.64 per hour, which equates to roughly $36,691.20 per year.
Compared to this, Waitresses in Augusta earn slightly less hourly, at $16.57, and an annual salary of around $34,465.60. This difference reflects local cost of living and market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Augusta for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer varying pay for Waitresses:
- Downtown Augusta: $17.60 per hour
- West Augusta: $15.50 per hour
Downtown Augusta offers higher wages, reflecting the area's density of restaurants and hospitality establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Augusta?
Several key factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Augusta:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Waitresses with excellent customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and attract better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy venues usually offer higher pay and better tipping potential compared to casual or fast food places.
- Location: Working in higher-traffic or affluent areas like Downtown Augusta often results in better earnings.
- Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts can come with increased pay or tips.
How To Become a Waitress in Augusta, GA
Getting started as a Waitress usually involves a combination of training, certification, and experience. Here are some steps to consider:
- Training Programs: Enroll in professional culinary or hospitality training programs such as the Augusta Technical College Culinary Arts Program or Helms College Culinary Arts Program to build foundational skills.
- Obtain Certifications: Acquiring nationally recognized certificates like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices required by many employers.
- Alcohol Service Training: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can be valuable for serving alcohol responsibly and is sometimes required.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start in entry-level food service roles to gain valuable on-the-job experience and improve customer service skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Augusta, GA
Some of the prominent employers looking to hire Waitresses in Augusta include:
- Logan's Roadhouse
- Olive Garden
- Waffle House
Establishments That Waitresses in Augusta Work At
Waitresses typically find work in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These usually provide steady work and average pay with moderate tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Work here may involve faster-paced environments, which can affect tips and wages.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Venues: These establishments offer higher salaries and significantly better tipping possibilities for Waitresses with strong service skills.
The type and prestige of the establishment have a direct impact on earnings and growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Augusta, GA for Waitresses
If you're interested in hospitality roles similar to a Waitress, consider exploring these career options:
These include Server, Banquet Server, and Backwaiter roles, which share similar duties and environments within the hospitality sector.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Augusta, GA
Waitresses should stay informed about key labor laws and tax requirements that impact their employment.
- Federal guidelines on wages, tips, and working hours are detailed at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Georgia state-specific employment resources and rules can be found on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- Local regulations and employment information for Augusta, GA, are available at the official Augusta city website.