Waitress Salary in Fort-Collins, CO
Waitresses in Fort-Collins, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $19.63 per hour, which translates to about $785.20 per week, $3,402.53 per month, and $40,830.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Fort-Collins is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market with new opportunities regularly arising in the hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Fort-Collins, CO?
The salary of a Waitress in Fort-Collins varies based on experience and the type of employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.81 | $592.40 | $2,564.67 | $30,758.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.63 | $785.20 | $3,402.53 | $40,830.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.58 | $1,423.20 | $6,165.33 | $73,958.40 |
Do Waitresses in Fort-Collins Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips which can significantly increase their total income. On average, a Waitress in Fort-Collins can earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, adding considerable earning potential to their base wage.
Waitress Salary in Fort-Collins vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $17.50 per hour, or approximately $36,400 per year.
Waitresses in Fort-Collins earn a slightly higher hourly wage at $19.63 per hour and a yearly income of around $40,830.40, reflecting the local market demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fort-Collins for Waitresses
Nearby areas offering higher salaries to Waitresses include:
- Downtown: $22.92 per hour
- Midtown: $21.50 per hour
These areas typically have more upscale dining establishments that offer better compensation for Waitresses compared to other parts of Fort-Collins.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Fort-Collins?
Several factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Fort-Collins:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses with strong customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and busy urban eateries generally pay more than casual or fast-casual dining venues.
- Shift and Hours: Working nights, weekends, or holidays can increase earnings due to higher tips and potential shift differentials.
- Reputation and Clientele: Waitresses who build a loyal customer base or work in popular locations often see increased tip income.
How To Become a Waitress in Fort-Collins
Entering the profession of a Waitress in Fort-Collins involves several steps to improve employability and earning potential:
- Gain Hospitality Experience: Starting in entry-level customer service roles helps build foundational skills for a Waitress career.
- Consider Educational Programs: Enroll in programs like the Front Range Community College Culinary Arts Program for basic culinary knowledge or Colorado State University Hospitality Management Program for supervisory skills.
- Obtain Certifications: Earning the ServSafe Food Handler Certification equips you with knowledge about food safety practices, while the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is valuable for responsible alcohol service.
- Develop Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and customer service skills are vital to succeed as a Waitress.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Fort-Collins
Some of the popular restaurant chains and establishments hiring Waitresses in Fort-Collins include:
- Old Chicago
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Waitresses in Fort-Collins Work At
Waitresses in Fort-Collins find work across a variety of dining establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer decent wages and consistent customer flow, providing stable income.
- Fast Casual Venues: Typically faster-paced with moderate pay; tips may be lower due to faster turnover.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Tend to pay higher base wages and offer greater potential for tips, leading to the highest overall earnings.
- Bars and Pubs: May provide opportunities for tip-intensive work, especially during nights and weekends.
The type of establishment greatly impacts a Waitress’s earning potential; fine dining venues typically offer the most lucrative compensation packages.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fort-Collins for Waitresses
If you're interested in careers related to being a Waitress, here are a few similar roles worth considering:
These include Backwaiter, Waiter/Waitress, and Fine Dining Server roles, which share similar responsibilities and work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Fort-Collins
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is important for Waitresses to protect their rights and manage finances effectively.
- Details on state-specific labor laws can be found at the Colorado government website, which covers wage standards, overtime rules, and employment protections.
- For federal labor laws, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor website offering comprehensive employment information.