Waitress Salary in Billings, MT
Waitresses in Billings, MT, in 2025, earn approximately $16.33 per hour, which translates to about $653.20 per week, $2,830.53 per month, and $33,966.40 per year.
The demand for waitresses in Billings is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding job market in the hospitality industry in this area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Billings, MT?
The salary of a Waitress in Billings can vary depending on experience and employer. Here is a breakdown of wages by experience level for the role.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.27 | $450.80 | $1,954.13 | $23,449.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.33 | $653.20 | $2,830.53 | $33,966.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.66 | $946.40 | $4,071.47 | $48,972.80 |
Do Waitresses in Billings Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base pay, which can significantly increase their overall income. In Billings, a waitress can earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, which adds up to a substantial portion of their total earnings and can vary depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Waitress Salary in Billings vs. National Average
Nationally, the average hourly wage for a Waitress is approximately $17.18 per hour, or about $35,734.40 annually.
Compared to this, Waitresses in Billings earn slightly less on average at $16.33 per hour and $33,966.40 yearly. This variance can be attributed to regional cost of living differences and local economic factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Billings for Waitresses
When looking at nearby areas, waitress salaries can be slightly higher in certain neighborhoods:
- Downtown: $17.50 per hour
- West End: $18.00 per hour
Waitresses working in the West End tend to earn the highest wages among nearby locales, which might reflect the type and volume of establishments found there.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Billings?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Billings:
- Experience and Skill Level: Experienced waitresses with excellent customer service and multitasking skills earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants typically pay more, including better tips, compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Shift Times: Evening and weekend shifts often come with better tips and sometimes higher base pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: The demand for hospitality workers and local business can drive wages up or down.
- Certifications and Training: Knowing safe food handling and alcohol service best practices can improve employability and income.
How To Become a Waitress in Billings
Starting a career as a Waitress in Billings involves a few important steps to enhance employment prospects and earning potential.
- Get Formal Training: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Montana State University Billings provide comprehensive training in food preparation, service, and safety.
- Consider Hospitality Education: The Hospitality Management Program at City College at MSU Billings offers valuable knowledge of food and beverage operations.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure understanding of food safety, while the TIPS Certification trains responsible alcohol service.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working part-time or starting in entry-level roles helps build skills and connections in the hospitality field.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Billings
Several well-known employers in Billings frequently seek qualified waitresses:
- The Montana Club
- Walker’s Grill
- Glitzy’s
- Cattlemen’s Club
- Montana Ale Works
Establishments That Waitresses in Billings Work At
Waitresses in Billings can find employment across a variety of establishment types, each with different impacts on salary:
- Casual Dining: These restaurants generally offer steady hours with moderate wages and tips.
- Fast Casual: Often faster-paced and may pay slightly lower wages, but sometimes with higher customer turnover for tips.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end establishments pay better base wages and tend to have more generous tipping, resulting in higher overall earnings.
- Bars and Clubs: Alcohol sales can increase tips significantly, making these venues lucrative for experienced waitresses.
The type of establishment can greatly influence a Waitress’s total compensation and job experience.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Billings for Waitresses
For those interested in similar career paths in hospitality and food service, several positions share related skills and responsibilities.
These include Backwaiter, Fine Dining Server, and Server positions, which require similar customer service skills and offer comparable salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Billings
Waitresses should familiarize themselves with federal and Montana state labor laws to ensure fair treatment and compliance with tax requirements.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Montana-specific labor law information and resources, visit the Montana Department of Labor and Industry website.