Waitress Salary in Kenosha, WI
Waitresses in Kenosha, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $18.64 per hour, which equates to around $745.60 per week, $3,230.93 per month, and $38,771.20 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Kenosha is showing positive growth at about 5% per year, indicating increasing demand and good prospects for this role in the region.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Kenosha, WI?
Waitress salaries in Kenosha vary depending on experience, skill level, and employer. Here's a breakdown across different experience tiers:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.20 | $488.00 | $2,112.67 | $25,376.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.64 | $745.60 | $3,230.93 | $38,771.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.47 | $1,138.80 | $4,930.80 | $59,065.60 |
Do Waitresses in Kenosha Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Kenosha typically earn tips that can add an extra $10 per hour or more, significantly boosting their overall compensation beyond base wages.
Waitress Salary in Kenosha vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $17.50 per hour or roughly $36,400 per year.
Comparatively, Waitresses in Kenosha generally earn slightly more, at $18.64 per hour and about $38,771.20 annually, reflecting local market conditions and demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kenosha for Waitresses
Looking at areas near Kenosha, the following regions offer competitive wages for Waitresses:
- Downtown Kenosha: $15.52 per hour
- Kenosha Regional Airport: $17.71 per hour
Positions in Kenosha Regional Airport tend to offer higher hourly pay compared to Downtown Kenosha, likely due to the nature of clientele and volume of business.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Kenosha?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Kenosha:
- Experience and Skillset: More experienced Waitresses who provide excellent customer service and have strong multitasking abilities usually earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale or fine dining establishments generally yields higher pay and tips compared to casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often provide opportunities for higher earnings due to busier service hours.
- Local Demand and Seasonality: The hospitality industry’s fluctuations affect the volume of customers and consequently tips and pay.
- Certifications and Training: Having relevant food safety or alcohol serving certifications can make a candidate more desirable and potentially increase pay.
How To Become a Waitress in Kenosha
Starting a career as a Waitress in Kenosha involves several practical steps:
- Obtain Basic Food Safety Training: Acquiring the Wisconsin Food Handler's Permit ensures understanding of food safety practices required by employers.
- Get Alcohol Service Credentials: The Alcohol Beverage Server License is mandatory for serving alcoholic beverages responsibly in Wisconsin.
- Consider Culinary or Hospitality Education: While not always required, programs like the Gateway Technical College Culinary Arts Program provide valuable knowledge of food service and dining operations. Taking a ServSafe Certification Course in Kenosha can improve food safety skills and employability.
- Gain Customer Service Experience: Working in retail or foodservice roles can help build interpersonal skills vital to succeeding as a Waitress.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Kenosha
Many well-known restaurant chains and local establishments in Kenosha regularly hire Waitresses, including:
- Chili's
- Applebee's
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Waitresses in Kenosha Work At
Waitresses in Kenosha are typically employed across a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues provide steady work and usually offer moderate base pay plus tips, making them accessible entry points for Waitresses.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Often busier with quicker service, these places may offer slightly lower hourly wages but good tipping opportunities.
- Fine Dining Establishments: These tend to offer the highest earnings potential, combining better base pay with generous tips due to upscale clientele.
- Hotel Restaurants and Caterers: These often provide consistent work and opportunities for advancement.
The type of establishment greatly influences the average salary and tip income for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kenosha for Waitresses
If you're interested in careers similar to Waitressing, consider exploring related hospitality roles that offer different responsibilities and salary ranges.
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter roles, which often require strong customer service skills and may offer varied pay scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Kenosha
Waitresses in Kenosha should familiarize themselves with labor regulations and tax information relevant to their employment.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website provides resources related to state labor laws, worker rights, and job opportunities.
- Local rules and community resources can be found on the City of Kenosha official website.