Waitress Salary in Birmingham, AL
Waitresses in Birmingham, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The labor market for Waitresses in Birmingham is growing steadily at about 5% per year, pointing to increasing demand and opportunities in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Birmingham, AL?
The salary of a Waitress in Birmingham depends on experience, but here is an overview of earnings at different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Birmingham Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn an extra $10 per hour in tips on average, which can significantly enhance their overall income and make this role financially rewarding in addition to base wages.
Waitress Salary in Birmingham vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn approximately $14.50 per hour, which amounts to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Birmingham earn slightly less, making about $13.90 per hour and $28,912.00 annually. This can be influenced by cost of living and local market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Birmingham for Waitresses
Nearby locations offer higher wages for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Mountain Brook: $17.60 per hour
Areas like Mountain Brook offer more competitive pay, reflecting possibly higher-end dining establishments and demand.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Birmingham?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Birmingham:
- Experience: More experienced Waitresses tend to command higher wages and secure better tips.
- Skills: Excellent customer service, speed, and multitasking abilities can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or fine dining restaurants often offers higher wages and better tips than casual or fast-food settings.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might come with higher pay due to increased demand.
- Local Economy and Cost of Living: These influence base pay rates within the area.
How To Become a Waitress in Birmingham
To start a career as a Waitress in Birmingham, consider these steps:
- Get Basic Training: While formal education is not always required, training programs improve job prospects.
- Food Safety Certifications: Programs such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification provide essential knowledge and are often required.
- State-specific Training: The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program certifies servers on responsible alcohol service and local laws.
- Enroll in Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Institutes like Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute offer comprehensive training suitable for this role.
- Gain Experience: Entry positions at fast food or casual dining locations can build valuable skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Birmingham
Leading employers actively seeking Waitresses include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Birmingham Work At
Waitresses commonly find employment in a variety of businesses including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work with moderate wages and tips.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: Generally pay lower wages but provide high-volume service experience.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to offer higher wages and better tips due to premium service.
- Bars and Nightclubs: May provide varied compensation often with significant tip potential.
The choice of establishment directly influences a Waitress’s total income, with fine dining normally paying more than fast food or casual settings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Birmingham for Waitresses
If you're exploring similar career paths in hospitality, you might consider these related roles:
These include Server, Banquet Server, and Backwaiter positions, all of which share similar customer service and food service responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Birmingham
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is important for Waitresses to ensure lawful and fair work conditions.
- For federal labor laws and employment standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Specific Alabama state employment regulations and worker rights are available at the Alabama Department of Labor website.