Waitress Salary in Evansville, IN
Waitresses in Evansville, IN, in 2026, earn approximately $13.23 per hour, which translates to about $529.20 per week, $2,293.20 per month, and $27,518.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Evansville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy outlook for job opportunities in the food service and hospitality sectors in this area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Evansville, IN?
The salary of a Waitress in Evansville varies based on experience and employer, but here is a general breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.00 | $360.00 | $1,560.00 | $18,720.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
Do Waitresses in Evansville Earn Tips?
Waitresses in Evansville typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. On average, they can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall income depending on the establishment and clientele.
Waitress Salary in Evansville vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Evansville earn slightly less at about $13.23 per hour and $27,518.40 annually.
This difference is influenced by local cost of living and regional market factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Evansville for Waitresses
Nearby areas pay varying hourly rates for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- East Side: $17.60 per hour
Working in these locations may offer Waitresses higher earning potential compared to Evansville itself.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Evansville?
Several factors affect how much a Waitress in Evansville can earn:
- Experience and Skills: More seasoned Waitresses with excellent customer service and multitasking abilities tend to earn higher wages and better tip earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually pay more and yield higher tips compared to casual or fast food venues.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Working evenings, weekends, or holidays can lead to higher pay or tips due to increased customer traffic or shift differentials.
- Local Economy and Cost of Living: Economic conditions in Evansville and surrounding areas play a role in wage levels.
How To Become a Waitress in Evansville
Starting a career as a Waitress in Evansville involves several important steps to improve your prospects and earning potential.
- Gain Relevant Education: Consider completing culinary-related or hospitality courses such as the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary Arts Program or the University of Southern Indiana Hospitality Management Program. These programs provide valuable knowledge about food service and customer relations.
- Obtain Certifications: Earning certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the Indiana Alcohol Server Training Program enhances your qualifications and ensures compliance with food safety and alcohol service regulations.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Successful Waitresses focus on excellent communication, attentiveness, and friendliness to create positive dining experiences.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting with entry-level positions or internships in restaurants or catering can provide hands-on experience.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Evansville
Some of the major employers in Evansville currently hiring Waitresses include:
- Cunningham Restaurant Group
- Applebee's
- Panda Restaurant Group
Establishments That Waitresses in Evansville Work At
Waitresses typically find work in a variety of foodservice environments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer steady hours and consistent tips, usually with average pay.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: These may offer lower base pay but higher turnover and potentially diverse hours.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually pay higher wages and generate greater tip earnings owing to upscale clientele.
- Hotels and Banquet Halls: May offer event opportunities and shift premiums.
Each type of establishment influences overall compensation through base wages, tips, and benefits.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Evansville for Waitresses
If you are interested in careers related to Waitressing, here are some similar roles worth considering:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which share similar skills and work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Evansville
Understanding the legal and fiscal framework is important for Waitresses working in Evansville.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive information on workers' rights and wage laws.
- Check the Indiana state website for workforce development and employment resources for regional guidelines and support.
- Explore the Local Evansville government website for city-specific labor laws and resources.