Waitress Salary in Macon, GA
Waitresses in Macon, GA, in 2026, earn approximately $12.08 per hour, which translates to about $483.20 per week, $2,093.87 per month, and $25,126.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Macon is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Macon, GA?
The salary of a Waitress in Macon can vary depending on experience and employer, but the following table gives an overview of typical earnings at different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $8.00 | $320.00 | $1,386.67 | $16,640.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $10.00 | $400.00 | $1,733.33 | $20,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
Do Waitresses in Macon Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Macon typically earn tips in addition to their base hourly wage. They can often make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, substantially increasing overall earnings depending on the employer and clientele.
Waitress Salary in Macon vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which amounts to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national averages, Waitresses in Macon earn less, with an hourly wage of about $12.08 and annual pay around $25,126.40. Factors such as local cost of living and economic conditions contribute to this difference.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Macon for Waitresses
Nearby areas offer higher wages for Waitresses, such as:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- North Macon: $17.60 per hour
Working in these higher-paying nearby locations can significantly improve earning potential compared to central Macon.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Macon?
Many factors can impact the salary of a Waitress in Macon:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Excellent communication and multitasking skills often lead to higher tips and better job opportunities.
- Type of Establishment: Higher-end restaurants or busy venues typically offer higher wages and more generous tips.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often result in better tips than daytime shifts.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Economic factors within Macon and its nearby areas also affect salaries.
How To Become a Waitress in Macon
To become a successful Waitress in Macon, several steps can help launch a career:
- Complete Hospitality or Culinary Education: Programs such as those at Central Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts Program and Macon-Bibb County Career Academy Hospitality Program offer valuable training for roles in food service.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) are commonly required and enhance employability.
- Gain Customer Service Experience: Working in customer-facing roles helps develop the essential interpersonal skills for waitressing.
- Apply at Local Restaurants: Joining establishments like diners, casual restaurants, or chains builds practical experience.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Macon
Some of the prominent employers in Macon looking for skilled Waitresses include:
- Applebee's
- Waffle House
- The Rookery
Establishments That Waitresses in Macon Work At
Waitresses in Macon commonly find jobs at various types of establishments such as:
- Casual Restaurants: Often with steady customer flow and moderate wages.
- Fast Casual Chains: Require fast, efficient service and often offer entry-level pay.
- Fine Dining Venues: Tend to offer higher base pay and greater tip potential due to upscale clientele.
- Breakfast Diners and Cafes: Typically busy during mornings with consistent, though sometimes lower, earnings.
The type of establishment not only affects the salary but also the earning from tips, which can vary greatly based on clientele and service quality.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Macon for Waitresses
If you are interested in roles similar to Waitress, consider these related positions in the hospitality sector:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Banquet Server roles, which share similar work environments and skill requirements.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Macon
It is important for Waitresses in Macon to be aware of the labor laws and tax regulations that apply:
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for information on employment standards, wages, and workers’ rights.
- Check specific state guidelines at the Georgia Department of Labor website.
- For local regulations and resources, visit the Macon-Bibb County official website.