Waitress Salary in Burlington, VT
Waitresses in Burlington, VT, in 2026, earn approximately $24.40 per hour, which translates to about $976.00 per week, $4,229.33 per month, and $50,752.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Burlington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive job outlook and increasing opportunities in the local dining and hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Burlington, VT?
The salary of a Waitress in Burlington varies depending on experience and employer, but below is a breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.21 | $608.40 | $2,616.20 | $31,401.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.40 | $976.00 | $4,229.33 | $50,752.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $39.13 | $1,565.20 | $6,765.33 | $81,182.40 |
Do Waitresses in Burlington Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. On average, a Waitress in Burlington can earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting overall income.
Waitress Salary in Burlington vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of $17.60 per hour and approximately $36,608 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Burlington earn substantially more, at about $24.40 per hour and $50,752 annually, reflecting the local market demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Burlington for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Waitresses:
- South Burlington: $25.34 per hour
- Windsor: $26.73 per hour
Waitresses commuting to Windsor or South Burlington may find enhanced pay opportunities relative to Burlington itself.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Burlington?
Multiple factors affect how much a Waitress earns in Burlington:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses often earn higher hourly rates and better tips.
- Skillset and Customer Service: Exceptional communication and upselling skills can increase earning potential significantly.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining venues tend to offer higher wages and more generous tips than casual or fast-food restaurants.
- Location: Establishments in busier or upscale parts of Burlington may pay better.
- Shift Hours: Evening or weekend shifts often provide more opportunities for higher tips.
How To Become a Waitress in Burlington
Starting a career as a Waitress involves some essential steps to improve your chances of success:
- Gain Basic Food Service Training: Programs such as the Community Kitchen Academy in Burlington prepare individuals for roles in food service with practical skills.
- Consider Culinary Education: The New England Culinary Institute near Burlington offers comprehensive education that can enhance hospitality careers.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The widely recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of safe food handling, often a job requirement.
- Alcohol Service Training: If you work in venues serving alcohol, the TIPS Certification helps develop responsible beverage service skills.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills are critical for waitstaff to maximize earning potential through tips.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Burlington
Burlington hosts several well-known employers actively hiring Waitresses, including:
- Hen of the Wood
- American Flatbread Company
- Penny Cluse Café
- The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
- Leunig's Bistro
Establishments That Waitresses in Burlington Work At
Waitresses find employment in a range of dining establishments across Burlington such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues offer steady work with moderate tips, often on higher volume clientele.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Provide opportunities for higher base wages and more substantial tips due to upscale customers and enhanced service expectations.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically have faster turnover and lower tips, but may offer consistent hours.
- Pubs and Bars: Often include tips from beverage service and can increase overall earnings, especially with alcohol service certification.
The type of establishment directly impacts earnings, with fine dining and popular bars usually offering the best salary plus tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Burlington for Waitresses
Those interested in hospitality might explore jobs related to Waitressing, such as:
These roles include Server, Bartender, and Backwaiter, all carrying relevant skills and earning potential within the hospitality sector.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Burlington
Understanding local and federal labor laws is vital for Waitresses to protect their rights and ensure fair compensation.
- The official U.S. Department of Labor website offers detailed federal labor laws and regulations.
- The Vermont Department of Labor provides state-specific resources on employment standards and workforce development.
- The City of Burlington's official website contains local government information and community resources relevant for workers.