Waitress Salary in Denver, CO
Waitresses in Denver, CO, 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 Denver is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a stable and positive outlook for job opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the region.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Denver, CO?
The salary of a Waitress in Denver can vary depending on experience level and employer, but below is a general breakdown of earnings across different experience categories.
| 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 Denver Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn tips as a significant part of their income. In Denver, a Waitress can earn approximately an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can substantially increase their overall earnings beyond their base wage.
Waitress Salary in Denver vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Denver earn slightly less at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually. This difference might be influenced by regional cost of living and local wage standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Denver for Waitresses
If you are considering work in nearby areas, here are the pay rates for Waitresses in the surrounding locations of Denver:
- Downtown Denver: $15.50 per hour
- Cherry Creek: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in Cherry Creek tend to earn significantly more compared to other nearby neighborhoods, reflecting the upscale dining options in that area.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Denver?
The salary of a Waitress in Denver can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Waitresses often command higher wages and better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication and multitasking skills improve earning potential, especially in busy or upscale establishments.
- Establishment Type: Fine dining restaurants tend to pay more than casual or fast-food services.
- Tips and Service Quality: Tip income varies depending on service quality and clientele.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts might offer better pay and higher tips.
How To Become a Waitress in Denver
To pursue a career as a Waitress in Denver, consider the following steps:
- Gain Basic Training: Programs like the Emily Griffith Technical College Culinary Arts Program provide comprehensive training in food preparation and service techniques.
- Hospitality Education: Metropolitan State University of Denver Hospitality Program offers relevant courses in restaurant operations and customer service.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS Certification are often required and valued by employers for food safety and responsible beverage service.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Experience in customer-facing roles will improve your ability to succeed as a Waitress.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Denver
Several prominent employers in Denver frequently seek skilled Waitresses:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Denver Work At
Waitresses in Denver find employment in a variety of establishments, each offering different work environments and salary potential:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady shifts and reliable income with moderate tips.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Typically, pay lower base wages but attract higher volume of customers.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Generally offer higher pay and tips due to upscale clientele and service standards.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Tips here can be highly variable but sometimes generous.
The type of establishment significantly impacts total earnings, particularly through variability in gratuities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Denver for Waitresses
If you’re interested in hospitality careers related to being a Waitress, here are a few similar roles to consider:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Banquet Server positions, all of which involve customer service roles within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Denver
Waitresses working in Denver should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax information to understand their rights and obligations.
- Colorado's official website provides information on state labor laws and regulations at colorado.gov.
- The City and County of Denver's website offers resources on local employment standards at denvergov.org.
- For federal labor laws and employment regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov.