Waitress Salary in Nashville, TN
Waitresses in Nashville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $15.02 per hour, which translates to about $600.80 per week, $2,603.47 per month, and $31,241.60 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Nashville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding market for food service positions in the region.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Nashville, TN?
The salary of a Waitress in Nashville can vary by experience and work setting. Below is a breakdown of earnings at various levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.00 | $360.00 | $1,560.00 | $18,720.00 |
| 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 Nashville Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Nashville typically earn tips in addition to their hourly wage. Tips can contribute an extra $5 to $15 per hour, which greatly impacts overall income, making this a potentially lucrative position depending on the establishment and shift.
Waitress Salary in Nashville vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $17.46 per hour, which translates to around $36,316.80 annually.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Nashville earn slightly less hourly at around $15.02 but are compensated fairly within the local market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Nashville for Waitresses
Some of the Highest-Paying Areas near Nashville for Waitresses include:
- Downtown: $16.00 per hour
- Midtown: $15.50 per hour
Working in Downtown Nashville tends to offer better pay compared to surrounding neighborhoods.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Nashville?
Several key factors can influence a Waitress’s salary in Nashville:
- Experience: Waitresses with more years of experience typically earn higher wages and better tips.
- Skills: Strong customer service skills and efficiency can boost earnings and customer satisfaction.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants, trendy bars, or upscale venues often pay higher hourly wages and generate more tips compared to casual or fast-food settings.
- Shift Time: Evening and weekend shifts often yield higher tips and sometimes shift differentials.
- Local Demand and Competition: Busy tourist areas in Nashville tend to offer better pay due to higher foot traffic.
How To Become a Waitress in Nashville
Becoming a successful Waitress in Nashville involves a few important steps that can help you get hired and increase your earning potential.
- Complete basic training in food safety and service: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required and valued by employers.
- Obtain the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission Server Permit: Mandatory for serving alcohol to ensure compliance with state laws on responsible alcohol service.
- Consider culinary or hospitality programs: Nashville State Community College Culinary Arts Program and The Art Institute of Tennessee – Nashville Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in the food service industry.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills: These skills are critical for excellent customer service and tip earning potential.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Nashville
If you are looking to start or advance your career as a Waitress in Nashville, some of the top employers include:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- J. Alexander's
- P.F. Chang's
Establishments That Waitresses in Nashville Work At
Waitresses in Nashville typically work at a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining: These places offer moderate wages and rely significantly on tips.
- Fast Casual: Earnings tend to be lower with less tipping opportunity, but positions are often more flexible.
- Fine Dining: These venues offer higher hourly wages, greater tip potential, and more formal service experience.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Many serve alcohol and offer high tip opportunities, but also require proper certification.
Each establishment type impacts the overall salary potential primarily through base wage and tipping volume.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Nashville for Waitresses
There are several related roles in the hospitality industry that might interest Waitresses looking to explore other opportunities:
These related positions include Server, Backwaiter, and Banquet Server, which share similar skills and work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Nashville
It is important for Waitresses to be aware of local and federal labor laws and tax requirements to understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
- Visit the official website of the State of Tennessee for detailed information on state labor laws and regulations.
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official site to learn about minimum wage, overtime, and employment standards.