Waitress Salary in Dallas, TX
Waitresses in Dallas, TX, 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 demand for Waitresses in Dallas is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for hospitality and food service jobs in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Dallas, TX?
The salary of a Waitress in Dallas can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience 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 | $2,432.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Dallas Earn Tips?
Waitresses generally earn tips in addition to their base salary. On average, a waitress in Dallas can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their total earnings and overall compensation.
Waitress Salary in Dallas vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which translates to about $30,160 per year.
When compared to the national average, Waitresses in Dallas earn slightly below average at about $13.90 per hour and approximately $28,912 annually.
This difference can be influenced by local economic conditions, tips variations, and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Dallas for Waitresses
When looking at nearby areas, waitress salaries vary slightly:
- Uptown: $15.50 per hour
- Downtown: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in Downtown Dallas typically enjoy higher hourly wages compared to other nearby neighborhoods, which can reflect the higher cost of living and busier dining scenes.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Dallas?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Dallas:
- Experience and Skill Level: Waitresses with more years of experience and excellent customer service skills tend to earn better wages and tips.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants, hotels, or busy downtown venues often comes with higher pay and more generous tips compared to casual or fast food settings.
- Shift Timing and Hours Worked: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher wages or more lucrative tipping opportunities.
- Location: Working in areas with higher foot traffic or affluent clientele typically increases hourly wages and tip income.
How To Become a Waitress in Dallas
Starting a career as a Waitress in Dallas can be enhanced by taking several concrete steps:
- Complete Culinary or Hospitality Training: Programs like the El Centro College Culinary Arts Program and Dallas College Hospitality Management Program provide valuable industry knowledge and skills.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Earning the Texas Food Handler Certification is mandatory for all food service employees, ensuring proper food safety practices.
- Alcohol Service Certification: For those serving drinks, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification is required to responsibly manage alcoholic beverage sales.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level roles helps develop customer service skills and familiarity with restaurant operations.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Dallas
Dallas features a range of popular dining establishments actively hiring Waitresses, including:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Dallas Work At
Waitresses in Dallas typically find employment across a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues often serve a high volume of customers and provide steady scheduling but may offer moderate wages.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Generally lower base pay but sometimes more predictable shifts; tip income may be limited.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Restaurants: These establishments can offer a higher salary and significant tip income, reflecting the premium service and clientele.
- Hotels and Resorts: Provide opportunities for higher wages and comprehensive benefits depending on the employer.
The type of establishment impacts not only the hourly salary but also potential tips and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Dallas for Waitresses
If you’re interested in similar roles in hospitality that share skills with Waitresses, consider these options:
These are Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which involve similar customer service responsibilities with variations in setting and pay scale.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Dallas
Waitresses should stay informed about labor regulations and tax responsibilities to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For details on state employment laws, minimum wage, and worker benefits, visit the Official website of the State of Texas.
- The Texas Workforce Commission provides resources on employment laws, workplace rights, and job support services.