Waitress Salary in Fayetteville, AR
Waitresses in Fayetteville, AR, in 2025, earn approximately $17.37 per hour, which translates to about $694.80 per week, $3,010.80 per month, and $36,129.60 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Fayetteville is showing healthy growth at about 5% per year, indicating an increasing demand for skilled service staff in the city's food and hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Fayetteville, AR?
The salary of a Waitress in Fayetteville can vary depending on experience level and the type of establishment, but here is a general breakdown across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $23,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.37 | $694.80 | $3,010.80 | $36,129.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.37 | $1,134.80 | $4,910.93 | $58,929.60 |
Do Waitresses in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. In Fayetteville, it is common for Waitresses to earn an estimated extra $10 per hour in tips, which can significantly boost their overall earnings throughout a shift.
Waitress Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.37 per hour, which amounts to approximately $36,129.60 per year.
Comparatively, Waitresses in Fayetteville earn salaries that align with the national average, both hourly and annually, making the city competitive for service roles in the hospitality industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Waitresses
Waitresses in nearby areas often receive varied pay rates, such as:
- Springdale: $22.12 per hour
- Rogers: $18.36 per hour
Among these, Springdale offers the highest wages, which can be an attractive option for Waitresses willing to commute or relocate.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Fayetteville:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses who excel at customer service and multitasking generally earn higher wages and tips.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and upscale dining venues typically offer better pay and tipping opportunities than fast casual or chain restaurants.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Evening and weekend shifts often yield higher tips and occasional shift differentials.
- Location: Waitresses working in busier areas or tourist-heavy locations may have more customers and higher tips.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of food safety or alcohol service certifications can improve hiring prospects and pay potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Fayetteville
Starting a career as a Waitress in Fayetteville involves several steps to improve your chances in this competitive industry:
- Gain Relevant Education: Programs like the University of Arkansas Hospitality Management Program offer comprehensive training that can prepare you for various roles in food service.
- Obtain Practical Culinary Knowledge: Enrollment in the Northwest Arkansas Community College Culinary Arts Program can provide hands-on experience and insight into kitchen operations.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required and demonstrate a commitment to proper hygiene and safety.
- Acquire Alcohol Service Training: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification provides valuable knowledge for serving alcohol responsibly in establishments that offer it.
- Develop Soft Skills: Customer service, communication, and multitasking are crucial skills for a successful Waitress.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Fayetteville
Fayetteville's vibrant food scene includes several notable employers actively hiring Waitresses:
- The Farmer’s Table
- Luxe Food & Drink
- Bordinos
Establishments That Waitresses in Fayetteville Work At
Waitresses in Fayetteville typically work in a range of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offering moderate pay with steady shifts and tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: These usually offer quicker service, potentially lower tips, but high turnover leading to many job openings.
- Fine Dining Establishments: These locations often pay higher base wages with the potential for substantial tips.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Tend to provide larger tip earnings and may require specific certifications for alcohol service.
The type of establishment directly affects both the base pay and tipping potential for Waitresses, influencing total compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Waitresses
If you're exploring careers similar to a Waitress, consider these related hospitality roles that share some duties or work environments:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, which often have overlapping skills but varying pay scales and work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Fayetteville
Waitresses in Fayetteville should be aware of both federal and state labor laws and tax obligations to navigate their employment rights and responsibilities effectively.
- For comprehensive information on federal employment laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific labor regulations, including minimum wage and employment standards in Arkansas, refer to the official Arkansas government website.