Waitress Salary in Lansing, MI
Waitresses in Lansing, MI, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Lansing is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing demand for dining service roles in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Lansing, MI?
The salary of a Waitress in Lansing varies by experience and employer. Below is an overview of typical pay ranges at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Lansing Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Lansing typically earn tips on top of their base salary. Tips can add a significant boost to earnings, often an extra $10 per hour or more depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Waitress Salary in Lansing vs. National Average
Nationally, the average hourly wage for Waitresses is around $14.50 per hour, which comes to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to this, Waitresses in Lansing earn slightly less on average at $13.90 per hour and around $28,912 annually.
This minor difference may reflect local economic conditions and the cost of living in Lansing relative to other parts of the country.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lansing for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Waitresses:
- Downtown Lansing: $15.50 per hour
- East Lansing: $17.60 per hour
East Lansing appears to offer the highest pay rates, making it an attractive location for Waitresses seeking better wages close to Lansing.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Lansing?
Several factors can affect how much a Waitress earns in Lansing:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Waitresses typically command higher wages and may receive larger tips due to better service.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants usually pay more than casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts often yield higher tips and sometimes premium wages.
- Customer Base: Busy and affluent areas can result in better overall earnings.
How To Become a Waitress in Lansing
The path to becoming a successful Waitress in Lansing includes a few key steps:
- Training and Courses: Enrolling in hospitality or culinary courses such as the Lansing Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Michigan State University Hospitality Business Program can help develop relevant skills.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification improve compliance with safety standards and responsible alcohol service.
- Gain Experience: Starting in entry-level food service jobs and learning on the job builds practical skills.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Being personable and efficient maximizes tipping potential and employer satisfaction.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Lansing
Some prominent local employers actively seeking Waitresses include:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Lansing Work At
Waitresses in Lansing commonly work in a variety of establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Moderate pay with steady customer flow and tipping opportunities.
- Fast Casual Chains: Generally offer lower base pay and tips but higher job turnover.
- Fine Dining: Higher salaries and substantial tip earnings due to upscale clientele.
- Bars and Nightclubs: May offer higher tips and varied schedules but often require TIPS certification for alcohol service.
The type of establishment strongly affects total earnings both in wages and tips.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lansing for Waitresses
If you're exploring careers related to Waitressing, consider these related roles:
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, all of which share customer service and dining-related skill sets.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Lansing
Waitresses should be informed about labor regulations and tax responsibilities to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Visit the Official website of the State of Michigan for information on state labor laws and employment standards.
- For federal labor laws, check the U.S. Department of Labor's official website, offering comprehensive resources on workplace regulations.