Waitress Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Waitresses in Fayetteville, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $14.76 per hour, which equates to about $590.40 per week, $2,558.40 per month, and $30,700.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Fayetteville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and employment growth in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Fayetteville, NC?
The salary of a Waitress in Fayetteville can widely vary based on experience, tips, and the type of establishment, but the following breakdown provides some insight into earnings at different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $7.25 | $290.00 | $1,253.33 | $15,080.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.76 | $590.40 | $2,558.40 | $30,700.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.48 | $1,259.20 | $5,440.53 | $65,440.00 |
Do Waitresses in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Fayetteville typically earn tips in addition to their base salary. Tips can amount to an extra $8-$12 per hour, depending on the restaurant’s volume, clientele, and service quality. This means a Waitress can often make a substantial portion of their income from tips alone.
Waitress Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.00 per hour, translating to about $35,360 per year.
Comparatively, Waitresses in Fayetteville earn slightly less at $14.76 per hour and $30,700.80 annually, reflecting regional living costs and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Waitress
Nearby areas offer the following pay rates for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $25.00 per hour
- Cross Creek Mall Area: $22.00 per hour
These areas tend to have higher customer traffic and upscale dining, contributing to better wages and tip potential for Waitresses.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress earns in Fayetteville:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Waitresses command higher wages and are more likely to be assigned to premium sections.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining or high-end restaurants typically offer better base pay and tip opportunities than casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often yield higher tips.
- Customer Volume and Location: Busy locations like downtown have greater customer turnover and tipping chances.
- Skills and Service Quality: Waitresses providing excellent service often receive higher tips, impacting total earnings.
How To Become a Waitress in Fayetteville
Starting a career as a Waitress in Fayetteville involves a few key steps to prepare and qualify for the role:
- Complete Hospitality Training: Programs like the Fayetteville Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program offer foundational skills valuable for Waitresses.
- Enroll in Specialized Training: The Cumberland County Workforce Development Center Hospitality Training provides targeted instruction for food service professionals.
- Obtain Food Handling Certification: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety and handling practices.
- Acquire Necessary Permits: The North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission Permit is required for servers handling alcoholic beverages.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level jobs in casual dining or fast food establishments help build the needed skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Fayetteville
Many restaurant chains and local eateries regularly seek skilled Waitresses, including:
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
- IHOP
- Red Lobster
Establishments That Waitresses in Fayetteville Work At
Waitresses find employment in a variety of food service settings around Fayetteville, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide steady work hours and moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: Such establishments generally pay closer to minimum wage but offer fast-paced environments.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants tend to offer better pay and significantly higher tip potential, boosting overall earnings.
- Family Restaurants: More frequent shifts but typically lower base wage; tips fill the gap.
The type of establishment strongly influences both the base pay and tip earnings a Waitress can expect.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Waitress
If you’re considering related roles within the hospitality industry, here are some similar careers:
These include Server, Banquet Server, and Backwaiter, roles that share similar responsibilities in food service and hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitress in Fayetteville
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is important for Waitresses working in Fayetteville to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website for federal labor standards and wage regulations.
- The state of North Carolina's official site provides information on employment laws and certification requirements.
- For local employment resources, visit the City of Fayetteville's official website.