Waitress Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
In Oklahoma City, OK, Waitresses earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to around $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Oklahoma City is growing at a healthy pace of about 5% per year, reflecting increasing demand for customer service and food service roles in the city.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The salary of a Waitress in Oklahoma City varies with experience and skill levels. Below is an overview of typical earnings across different experience tiers.
| 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 Oklahoma City Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Oklahoma City typically earn tips as a significant part of their income. On average, they can make an extra $5 to $10 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and customer volume. Tips can greatly increase their overall earnings beyond the base wage.
Waitress Salary in Oklahoma City vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn about $14.50 per hour and approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Oklahoma City earn slightly below average hourly wages at $13.90 per hour and an annual salary of $28,912.00. The difference may be influenced by cost of living and local market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Oklahoma City for Waitresses
In areas close to Oklahoma City, Waitress salaries vary:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Bricktown: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in Bricktown typically earn the highest wages in the vicinity, reflecting the busy restaurant and entertainment district.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Oklahoma City?
Several factors affect how much a Waitress can earn in Oklahoma City:
- Experience and Skills: More experienced Waitresses with excellent customer service skills and multitasking ability tend to receive higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants, busy cafes, or metropolitan areas often provides better pay and more generous tips than smaller or casual dining spots.
- Shift Timing: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts can come with higher base rates or increased tip potential.
- Location within the City: Neighborhoods with higher dining traffic or tourist presence may offer higher earnings overall.
How To Become a Waitress in Oklahoma City
Becoming a successful Waitress in Oklahoma City involves a combination of training and experience.
- Complete Culinary or Hospitality Training: Programs like the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program and Francis Tuttle Technology Center Culinary Arts Program offer valuable hands-on training relevant to waitstaff roles.
- Obtain Required Permits and Certifications: The Oklahoma Food Handler Permit is mandatory for all food service employees to ensure knowledge of proper food safety.
- Consider Responsible Alcohol Service Training: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification is highly recommended for servers working in establishments serving alcohol.
- Gain Practical Experience: Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in local restaurants help build customer service and order management skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Oklahoma City
Several well-known companies actively hire Waitresses in Oklahoma City:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Oklahoma City Work At
Waitresses in Oklahoma City find employment at a wide range of venues including:
- Fast Food Chains: These generally offer consistent hours but may have lower base wages and tip opportunities.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Opportunities for moderate base pay with decent tipping prospects.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Higher base wages and potential for substantial tips, often requiring refined service skills.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Where tips can be significant but shifts may be late or involve alcohol service.
Each type of establishment influences the overall compensation levels and work experience.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Oklahoma City for Waitresses
If you’re exploring jobs related to being a Waitress, you might consider these similar hospitality roles:
These roles include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter—positions sharing similar customer interaction and service duties.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Oklahoma City
Waitresses in Oklahoma City should stay informed about local and federal labor laws and tax regulations to protect their rights and understand their responsibilities.
- Resources on state labor laws and employment-related regulations can be found at the Official website of the State of Oklahoma.
- For federal labor standards and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official site.