Waitress Salary in Huntsville, AL
Waitresses in Huntsville, AL, in 2025, earn approximately $17.27 per hour, which translates to about $690.80 per week, $2,993.47 per month, and $35,921.60 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Huntsville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive job market outlook for this role in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Huntsville, AL?
The salary of a Waitress in Huntsville varies based on experience and employer, but here is a general breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.67 | $386.80 | $1,672.67 | $20,073.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.27 | $690.80 | $2,993.47 | $35,921.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.84 | $1,233.60 | $5,333.87 | $64,147.20 |
Do Waitresses in Huntsville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Huntsville generally earn tips on top of their hourly wages. It's common for waitresses to earn an extra $10-$15 per hour in tips, which significantly boosts their overall income.
Waitress Salary in Huntsville vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Waitresses is approximately $17.27 per hour, with an annual salary around $35,921.60.
Waitresses in Huntsville earn about the same as the national average, reflecting a competitive salary within the region consistent with national standards.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Huntsville for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer slightly varied pay rates for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $19.50 per hour
- Research Park: $18.70 per hour
Waitresses working in Downtown Huntsville can expect to earn slightly more compared to other nearby areas, due to the concentration of restaurants and commercial establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Huntsville?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Huntsville. These include:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced waitresses with excellent customer service skills typically earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants tend to pay higher hourly wages and yield better tips versus casual or fast food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may offer shift differentials, increasing pay.
- Geographic Location: Employers in high-traffic or affluent areas often pay more to attract quality staff.
- Certifications and Training: Additional training in food safety and alcohol service can improve job prospects and salary potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Huntsville
Becoming a successful Waitress in Huntsville involves several steps and possible educational options:
- Gain Basic Food Service Experience: Entry-level roles in retail or food service can help develop customer service and multitasking skills.
- Consider Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Calhoun Community College or the Hospitality Management Program at University of Alabama in Huntsville provide relevant training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required to ensure knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Complete State-Specific Training: The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program certifies responsible alcohol service, which is valuable for waitstaff who serve drinks.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Huntsville
Several well-known establishments in Huntsville regularly hire waitresses, including:
- Cotton Row Restaurant
- The Bottle
- Commerce Kitchen
Establishments That Waitresses in Huntsville Work At
Waitresses in Huntsville find employment across a variety of venue types:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Generally offer steady hours with moderate base pay combined with tips.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Tend to have higher base wages and significantly more tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Usually offer lower hourly wages, with varying tip potentials depending on the service model.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Often provide higher tip income but may require specific alcohol service certifications.
The type of establishment greatly influences a waitress’s overall earnings, tipping opportunities, and work environment.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Huntsville for Waitresses
If you're exploring similar roles in the hospitality industry, consider these positions which share overlapping skills and can open additional career paths:
These include Fine Dining Server, Server, and Backwaiter roles, all of which involve customer interaction and service responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Huntsville
Waitresses in Huntsville should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Alabama Department of Labor website provides state-specific labor regulations.
- The Official City of Huntsville website offers local government resources, including employment standards.