Waitress Salary in Brownsville, TX
Waitresses in Brownsville, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $13.46 per hour, which translates to about $538.40 per week, $2,333.07 per month, and $27,996.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Brownsville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the food service industry in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Brownsville, TX?
The salary of a Waitress in Brownsville can differ depending on experience and employer type. Here's a breakdown across different experience levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $8.76 | $350.40 | $1,516.80 | $18,220.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.46 | $538.40 | $2,333.07 | $27,996.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.68 | $827.20 | $3,577.87 | $41,974.40 |
Do Waitresses in Brownsville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips as a significant portion of their income. In Brownsville, a Waitress may earn an extra $5 to $15 per hour in tips depending on the establishment and shift. Tips can sometimes nearly double their overall earnings, making this an important component of their compensation.
Waitress Salary in Brownsville, TX vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for a Waitress is about $14.50 per hour, which equates to roughly $30,160 annually.
Compared to this, the average Waitress in Brownsville earns slightly less at $13.46 per hour and approximately $27,996.80 per year. This variance could be influenced by the lower cost of living in Brownsville compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Brownsville for Waitresses
Nearby areas with higher average hourly wages for Waitresses include:
- Harlingen: $15.50 per hour
- McAllen: $17.60 per hour
These locations may offer better pay due to economic factors or demand for hospitality workers in those markets.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Brownsville?
Several factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Brownsville:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses often command higher hourly wages and receive better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong interpersonal and multitasking skills can improve tips and overall earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually pay higher wages and offer better tipping potential compared to fast casual or family-style eateries.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening and weekend shifts may have higher tip averages and sometimes pay differentials.
- Certifications and Compliance: Having food safety certifications or alcohol service permits can make a Waitress more valuable and eligible for better-paying roles.
How To Become a Waitress in Brownsville
Becoming a Waitress in Brownsville typically involves the following steps:
- Gain Basic Training: Enrolling in food service and hospitality programs like the South Texas College Culinary Arts Program or the Texas Southmost College Hospitality Management Program can be advantageous.
- Obtain Required Certifications: For example, the TABC Certification is necessary for servers who handle alcohol in Texas. Additionally, a Food Handler's Permit certifies essential knowledge of food safety standards.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication and multitasking capabilities are critical for Waitresses.
- Secure Entry-Level Experience: Many start by working in casual dining or fast casual restaurants to build experience and reliability.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Brownsville
Several well-known employers in the Brownsville area frequently hire Waitresses, including:
- Parry's Pizza
- Applebee's
- Cinemark
Establishments That Waitresses in Brownsville Work At
Waitresses in Brownsville can be found working at a variety of establishment types, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These locations often offer consistent hours but variable pay, depending on customer volume.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Pay might be somewhat lower, but shifts are usually shorter and more flexible.
- Fine Dining Establishments: These places provide the highest wage potential along with significant tipping opportunities.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Waitresses here may earn more through tips, especially on busy weekend nights.
The type of establishment strongly influences both base pay and tip income, shaping overall earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Brownsville for Waitresses
If you are exploring careers related to being a Waitress, consider these roles that share similar skills and work environments:
These include Fine Dining Server, Server, and Banquet Server positions, offering diverse employment options within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Brownsville
Waitresses in Brownsville should be aware of state-specific labor laws and tax regulations to understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Visit the Texas government website for comprehensive information on labor laws and employment standards.
- The Texas Workforce Commission provides resources on wages, workplace rights, and employment regulations.