Waitress Salary in Lakewood, CO
Waitresses in Lakewood, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $17.88 per hour, which translates to about $715.20 per week, $3,099.20 per month, and $37,190.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Lakewood is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing job opportunities for this position in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Lakewood, CO?
The salary of a Waitress in Lakewood can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.81 | $592.40 | $2,561.87 | $30,742.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.88 | $715.20 | $3,099.20 | $37,190.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.70 | $1,388.00 | $5,994.67 | $71,976.00 |
Do Waitresses in Lakewood Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. In Lakewood, Waitresses can earn approximately $10 or more per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income depending on the establishment and clientele.
Waitress Salary in Lakewood vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average hourly wage of about $17.88, translating to around $37,190.40 annually.
Waitresses in Lakewood, CO earn approximately the same as the national average, reflecting the city’s competitive wage rates for this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lakewood for Waitresses
Nearby areas where Waitresses earn higher wages include:
- East Belmar: $21.80 per hour
- Sister City Park: $21.59 per hour
Waitresses working in East Belmar and Sister City Park can expect to earn significantly above the Lakewood average hourly wage.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Lakewood?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Lakewood:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses typically receive higher hourly wages and better tip income.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong interpersonal skills can boost tips and job prospects.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining or upscale restaurants usually offer higher wages and tips compared to casual dining and fast food.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often come with better earnings due to busier hours and higher tip potential.
- Location: Employers in higher-income neighborhoods or tourist areas tend to pay more.
How To Become a Waitress in Lakewood
Starting a career as a Waitress in Lakewood can be approached through several effective steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Knowledge: Training in basic hospitality and food safety can improve employability.
- Consider Culinary or Food Handler Programs: Programs such as the Red Rocks Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in hospitality and kitchen management.
- Technical Training: Attending courses at Emily Griffith Technical College can provide hands-on experience with restaurant operations.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification demonstrate knowledge of food safety and responsible alcohol service.
- Build Customer Service Skills: Practice communication and multitasking skills vital for Waitressing roles.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Lakewood
Prominent employers frequently seeking Waitresses in Lakewood include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Lakewood Work At
Waitresses in Lakewood work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer consistent shifts with moderate wages and tip opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: Typically pay lower wages but have higher turnover and less tipping.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually offer higher base wages and greater tip income due to upscale service requirements.
- Bars and Cafes: Often provide opportunities for tips and flexible schedules but vary widely in pay.
The type of establishment significantly influences the total compensation of a Waitress, especially through tip earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lakewood for Waitresses
If you are interested in roles similar to a Waitress, consider related positions that share overlapping skills and work environments.
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, all of which are closely aligned with the Waitress role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Lakewood
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Waitresses to manage employment rights and financial responsibilities effectively.
- Visit the State of Colorado official website for comprehensive information on local labor laws and regulations.
- For federal labor laws and workplace standards, check the resources available on the U.S. Department of Labor official website.