Waitress Salary in Odessa, TX
Waitresses in Odessa, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $15.62 per hour, which translates to about $624.80 per week, $2,707.47 per month, and $32,489.60 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Odessa is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the hospitality industry in this area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Odessa, TX?
The salary of a Waitress in Odessa can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.66 | $466.40 | $2,015.47 | $24,196.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.62 | $624.80 | $2,707.47 | $32,489.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.92 | $836.80 | $3,626.13 | $43,433.60 |
Do Waitresses in Odessa Earn Tips?
Waitresses generally earn tips as a significant part of their compensation. On average, a Waitress in Odessa can expect to earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, which notably enhances their total earnings.
Waitress Salary in Odessa vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.55 per hour, translating to about $36,504 per year.
When compared to the national average, Waitresses in Odessa earn slightly less, at about $15.62 per hour and $32,489.60 annually.
This difference can be influenced by the local cost of living and regional demand for hospitality workers.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Odessa for Waitresses
When looking at nearby areas, Waitress salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown Odessa: $16.50 per hour
- University Park: $17.00 per hour
Waitresses working in University Park benefit from the highest pay levels close to Odessa, reflecting potentially higher-end establishments or increased demand.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Odessa?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Odessa:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses with excellent customer service skills tend to earn higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants typically pay more than casual or fast food places, with differences in base pay and tip opportunities.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts can offer higher tips or differential pay.
- Location within the City: Working in higher-traffic or upscale neighborhoods like University Park could lead to higher earnings.
How To Become a Waitress in Odessa
Starting a career as a Waitress in Odessa can be enhanced by taking several concrete steps:
- Complete Formal Training: Odessa College offers a comprehensive Culinary Arts Program designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in the food service industry.
- Consider Hospitality Management: Midland College provides a Hospitality Management Program focusing on restaurant operations and management, beneficial for aspiring servers.
- Obtain Certifications: The Texas Food Handler Certification is mandatory for all food service employees to ensure knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Alcohol Service Certification: If serving alcoholic beverages, acquiring the TABC Certification from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is necessary.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Odessa
Several prominent employers in Odessa are often hiring Waitresses, including:
- HEB
- Texas Roadhouse
- Chick-fil-A Restaurants
- Huddle House
Establishments That Waitresses in Odessa Work At
Waitresses typically find employment across various types of dining establishments, including:
- Casual Restaurants: Often provide steady hours and a moderate base salary plus tips.
- Fast Casual Establishments: These locations offer faster service and may pay slightly less base wage but can have good tip potentials during busy times.
- Fine Dining: Higher-end restaurants usually pay better base salaries and offer significantly larger tip opportunities.
- Diners and Family Restaurants: These may offer consistent but lower overall earnings compared to upscale venues.
Overall, the type of establishment can greatly affect a Waitress’s total income in Odessa.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Odessa for Waitresses
If you're interested in careers similar to Waitressing, here are a few related roles you might consider:
These include Backwaiter, Bartender, and Hostess positions, which involve related roles in the hospitality and food service industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Odessa
Waitresses should be aware of Texas state labor laws and tax obligations to manage their work conditions and finances effectively.
- On the Texas Workforce Commission - State agency overseeing employment and labor laws in Texas website you can find details on minimum wage, overtime, and other employment standards.
- For federal laws you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor - Federal agency overseeing employment and labor laws in the United States to learn more.