Waitress Salary in Madison, WI
Waitresses in Madison, WI, in 2025, earn approximately $21.28 per hour, which translates to about $851.20 per week, $3,688.53 per month, and $44,262.40 per year.
The job demand for Waitresses in Madison is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy outlook for employment opportunities in this role in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Madison, WI?
The salary of a Waitress in Madison can vary widely depending on experience and the establishment, but here is a typical range based on different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.30 | $532.00 | $2,305.33 | $27,664.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $21.28 | $851.20 | $3,688.53 | $44,262.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $34.05 | $1,362.00 | $5,896.00 | $70,824.00 |
Do Waitresses in Madison Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. In Madison, it is common for Waitresses to earn an extra $10-$15 per hour in tips, which can significantly increase their total earnings depending on the venue and hours worked.
Waitress Salary in Madison vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.60 per hour, which amounts to about $36,608 per year.
Compared to this, Waitresses in Madison earn higher hourly wages at $21.28 per hour and a yearly income of about $44,262.40, reflecting Madison’s competitive hospitality market and local economic conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Madison for Waitresses
When searching for the best paying neighborhoods for Waitresses near Madison, consider the following:
- Downtown: $22.50 per hour
- Capitol Square: $23.00 per hour
Waitresses working in these areas typically earn more due to the concentration of restaurants and demand for quality service in popular and high-traffic districts.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Madison?
Several significant factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Madison:
- Experience and Seniority: More experienced Waitresses generally command higher wages and better tips.
- Skill Level: Strong customer service, multi-tasking, and upselling abilities boost earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and busy urban locations tend to pay more and provide higher tipping opportunities compared to casual or chain restaurants.
- Hours Worked: Working nights, weekends, and holidays often comes with higher wages or tips.
- Local Economy and Demand: Madison’s growing food scene and tourist activity can lead to increased pay rates.
How To Become a Waitress in Madison
Starting a career as a Waitress in Madison involves a combination of training, certification, and practical experience:
- Complete Local Training Programs: Madison College offers excellent Culinary Arts programs that cover food service skills valuable for Waitresses.
- Hospitality Management Education: The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a Hospitality Management program emphasizing restaurant service and customer relations.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Certifications such as the Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training and the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are essential for serving alcohol and following food safety standards.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Many Waitresses start in entry-level positions in casual dining or fast casual restaurants to build skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Madison
Popular establishments regularly hiring Waitresses in Madison include:
- The Melting Pot
- The Harvey House
- Outback Steakhouse
- Olive Garden
- Food Fight Restaurant Group
Establishments That Waitresses in Madison Work At
Waitresses in Madison typically find work in a variety of dining establishments:
- Casual Dining: These usually offer steady shifts with moderate pay and tipping potential.
- Fast Casual: Often features quicker service but with lower tips and wages.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants pay more and have greater tipping opportunities, demanding advanced customer service skills.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Waitresses serving alcoholic beverages usually earn higher hourly wages and tips but may require responsible beverage handling certification.
The specific type of establishment can greatly affect salary and total earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Madison for Waitresses
If you are considering other roles related to Waitressing, here are a few options that share similar skills and environments:
These include Bartender, Fine Dining Server, and Server, each involving customer service and food and beverage knowledge.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Madison
Waitresses in Madison need to be aware of the legal and tax framework affecting their jobs:
- The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development provides comprehensive information on state labor laws and employment regulations.
- For understanding federal taxes and obligations, the Internal Revenue Service offers essential guidance and resources.
- Madison-specific information can be accessed through the City of Madison Official Website, including local employment resources and worker rights.