Waitress Salary in Jersey City, NJ
Waitresses in Jersey City, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $21.58 per hour, equivalent to about $863.20 per week, $3,740.53 per month, and $44,886.40 per year.
The job market for waitresses in Jersey City is growing positively at a rate of 5% per year, indicating increasing demand in the hospitality industry for this vital role.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Jersey City, NJ?
The salary of a waitress in Jersey City varies based on experience, skills, and employer, but the following gives a general overview across different career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.53 | $581.20 | $2,510.87 | $30,104.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.58 | $863.20 | $3,740.53 | $44,886.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.66 | $1,426.40 | $6,178.93 | $74,132.80 |
Do Waitresses in Jersey City Earn Tips?
Yes, waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base wage. In Jersey City, waitresses can expect to earn an approximate extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly enhancing their overall compensation.
Waitress Salary in Jersey City vs. National Average
Nationally, waitresses earn approximately $17.55 per hour, which translates to about $36,504 annually.
Compared to these figures, waitresses in Jersey City earn notably more, at about $21.58 per hour and $44,886.40 annually. This difference highlights the competitive wages offered locally, likely influenced by the cost of living and demand in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Jersey City for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer varying pay rates for waitresses:
- Downtown: $25 per hour
- Waterfront: $27 per hour
Waitresses working in Waterfront enjoy the highest hourly wages nearby, reflecting the area's upscale dining and tourist appeal.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Jersey City?
Multiple factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Jersey City, including:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced waitresses generally command higher wages and earn more tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Exceptional interpersonal skills can lead to better tips and job opportunities.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants and busy venues often pay better and offer higher tip potential than casual dining.
- Shift Timings: Working during peak hours, weekends, or holidays can result in increased tips.
- Local Economic Conditions: Jersey City’s cost of living and tourism levels can affect wages and compensation packages.
How To Become a Waitress in Jersey City
Starting a career as a Waitress involves a few practical steps and qualifications:
- Complete training programs such as the Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts Program or courses at the Jersey City Culinary Arts Institute to build foundational hospitality knowledge.
- Obtain important certifications like the Food Handler's Permit, mandatory for safe food service practices.
- Secure an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License, which is required for servers in establishments that serve alcohol.
- Gain work experience by applying for entry-level positions or internships in restaurants to develop practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Jersey City
Some well-known employers frequently hiring Waitresses in Jersey City include:
- Liberty House Restaurant
- Battello
- The Ashford
Establishments That Waitresses in Jersey City Work At
Waitresses in Jersey City are employed across a range of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offer stable work and moderate wages, with opportunities for tips.
- Fast Casual and Cafés: These establishments may pay lower base wages but benefit from high customer turnover.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Venues: Typically pay higher wages and have greater tip potential, reflecting the level of service expected.
- Hotels and Banquet Halls: Offer event-based work with varying wages and often opportunities for additional service tips.
The type of establishment has a strong impact on both base salary and earning potential through tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Jersey City for Waitresses
Those interested in similar roles to Waitress might consider related hospitality positions that share skills and work environments.
Careers such as Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter are closely related, often involving similar duties and compensation structures.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Jersey City
Waitresses in Jersey City should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure proper employment conditions and compliance.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and employment information for comprehensive U.S. labor regulations.
- Consult the New Jersey state website for labor regulations and resources for state-specific rules and rights.
- Explore the local Jersey City government website for city ordinances and employment resources.