Waitress Salary in Honolulu, HI
Waitresses in Honolulu, HI, in 2025, earn approximately $11.00 per hour, which translates to about $440.00 per week, $1,906.67 per month, and $22,880.00 per year.
The job demand for Waitresses in Honolulu is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating positive career opportunities as the hospitality and tourism industry continues to expand in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Honolulu, HI?
The salary of a Waitress in Honolulu varies depending on experience, employer, and establishment type. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,246.67 | $27,040.00 |
Do Waitresses in Honolulu Earn Tips?
Waitresses generally earn a significant part of their income from tips. In Honolulu, they can typically expect to earn an extra $10 per hour in tips on average, which substantially supplements their base salary and can vary depending on the venue and shift.
Waitress Salary in Honolulu vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $11.00 per hour, translating to about $22,880 per year.
Comparing this to Honolulu, HI, Waitresses earn roughly the same base hourly wage and yearly salary as the national average, reflecting the local cost of living and tourism-driven demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Honolulu for Waitresses
Nearby areas in Honolulu offer competitive salaries for Waitresses, with variations as follows:
- Waikiki: $13.00 per hour
- Downtown Honolulu: $12.50 per hour
Waitresses working in Waikiki can earn the highest wages in the vicinity, benefiting from the area's heavy tourism and upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Honolulu?
Several factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Honolulu:
- Experience and Skill Level: Experienced Waitresses with strong customer service skills often command higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and hotels tend to pay more and offer larger tipping opportunities than casual eateries.
- Shift Timing: Night shifts or weekend hours might have higher demand and pay rates.
- Local Economy and Tourism: Seasonal tourism fluctuations can affect earnings, with peak seasons offering more opportunities.
- Certifications: Food handler and alcohol server certifications can improve employability and wage prospects.
How To Become a Waitress in Honolulu
Becoming a Waitress in Honolulu involves several key steps to prepare for entering this role:
- Complete relevant training: Enrolling in programs like the Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Leeward Community College Culinary Arts Program provides practical skills for the food service industry.
- Obtain necessary certifications: The Hawaii Food Handler Certification is mandatory for all food service employees, and Alcohol Server Certification is required for serving alcoholic beverages.
- Gain experience: Starting in fast casual or casual dining helps build customer service and order-taking skills.
- Develop interpersonal skills: Friendly communication and multitasking are essential.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Honolulu
Prominent employers in Honolulu hiring Waitresses include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Honolulu Work At
Waitresses in Honolulu typically work in a variety of establishments including:
- Casual Restaurants: These provide steady employment but may offer lower wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Venues: Often offer quicker shifts with moderate pay.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Hotels: Tend to pay better and provide more tipping opportunities.
- Resort and Tourist Locations: These can increase earnings during peak seasons due to higher customer volumes.
The type of establishment greatly influences the overall salary and tipping potential for a Waitress.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Honolulu for Waitresses
If you are exploring related careers in the hospitality industry, here are some related jobs to consider:
These include Server, Banquet Server, and Hostess roles, which share overlapping skills and settings with the Waitress position.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Honolulu
Waitresses should be informed about local labor regulations and tax obligations:
- Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website for detailed information on labor laws and regulations specific to Hawaii.
- Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor official site for federal labor laws, worker rights, and workplace protections.