Waitress Salary in Louisville, KY
Waitresses in Louisville, KY, 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 demand for Waitresses in Louisville shows a positive growth rate of about 5% per year, indicating an increasing need for service professionals in the hospitality industry in this region.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Louisville, KY?
The salary of a Waitress in Louisville can vary depending on experience, skills, and the employer. Below is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| 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 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Louisville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. On average, a Waitress can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which significantly supplements their income especially during busy shifts and weekends.
Waitress Salary in Louisville vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, which amounts to roughly $30,160 per year.
Comparatively, Waitresses in Louisville have a slightly lower hourly wage at $13.90 per hour and earn around $28,912 annually. This difference can be affected by local economic factors and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Louisville for Waitresses
Some of the highest-paying neighborhoods for Waitresses near Louisville include:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- East Market District: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in these areas may find higher tips and wages compared to other parts of the city.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Louisville?
Several key factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Louisville:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Waitresses tend to command higher base wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale or fine dining restaurants usually provides better pay and tip opportunities compared to casual or fast-food outlets.
- Customer Traffic and Location: Busy locations such as Downtown and East Market District typically offer higher earning potential.
- Skill Set: Strong communication, customer service skills, and the ability to handle high-volume shifts can impact pay positively.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts may bring in more tips and sometimes higher wages.
How To Become a Waitress in Louisville
Pursuing a career as a Waitress in Louisville involves several important steps and optional training paths:
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining the Kentucky Food Handler Certification is often required for all food service employees.
- Alcohol Service Training: Many employers require the TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification to ensure responsible alcohol service.
- Hospitality Education: Schools like Jefferson Community and Technical College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training useful for hospitality roles including server skills.
- Specialized Programs: Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies provides focused education in hospitality and restaurant management including server training.
- On-the-Job Experience: Starting in entry-level positions allows aspiring Waitresses to build practical skills and customer service expertise.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Louisville
Several prominent employers in Louisville regularly hire Waitresses, including:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Louisville Work At
Waitresses in Louisville typically find work across various types of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments provide regular shifts but typically have moderate pay with tips based on customer volume.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: Usually offer lower base wages, but opportunities may be abundant for entry-level workers.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues often provide the highest wages and tip potential due to a more affluent clientele.
- Bars and Pubs: May offer higher tip earnings especially during weekends and special events.
The type of establishment can have a significant effect on the total earnings of a Waitress.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Louisville for Waitresses
If you're exploring roles related to Waitressing, here are a few similar career options worth considering:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Banquet Server positions which all share overlapping skills and can offer alternative paths within hospitality.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Louisville
Understanding relevant laws and tax responsibilities is important for Waitresses working in Louisville.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific employment and workforce laws, the Kentucky Workforce Commission is a valuable resource.
- The Local government website provides information about Louisville-specific labor laws and worker rights.