Waitress Salary in Philadelphia, PA
Waitresses in Philadelphia, PA, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Philadelphia is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and career growth in this hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Philadelphia, PA?
The salary of a Waitress in Philadelphia can vary based on experience and employer, but the following provides an overview of earnings for different experience levels.
| 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 | $2,430.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Philadelphia Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Philadelphia typically earn an additional $5 to $15 per hour in tips, which can significantly enhance their overall income. Tips depend on factors such as the type of establishment, service quality, and shift hours.
Waitress Salary in Philadelphia vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, equating to approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Philadelphia earn slightly less hourly, at $13.90 per hour, or $28,912 annually. This difference may reflect local market conditions and cost of living adjustments.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Philadelphia for Waitresses
Some areas near Philadelphia offer higher salaries for Waitresses:
- Center City: $15.50 per hour
- Rittenhouse Square: $17.60 per hour
Working in these neighborhoods can provide Waitresses with better pay and potentially higher tips due to upscale clientele and busy dining scenes.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Philadelphia?
Several factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Philadelphia:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses often command higher hourly wages and attract better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong interpersonal and sales skills enhance tip earnings and job stability.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or high-end hotels usually pay higher wages and provide larger tips than casual eateries or fast-food chains.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Evening and weekend shifts can offer increased pay or tip opportunities.
- Location: Central and affluent neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square tend to pay better.
How To Become a Waitress in Philadelphia
Start your Waitress career in Philadelphia by following these steps:
- Obtain Culinary or Hospitality Education: Programs such as the Community College of Philadelphia Culinary Arts Program or Drexel University Hospitality Management Program provide relevant education in food service and customer management.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Acquire Alcohol Management Training: The Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) Certification is important for servers handling alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships at restaurants can build useful skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers job opportunities for Waitresses at various popular employers including:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Philadelphia Work At
Waitresses commonly work in various types of dining establishments:
- Casual Dining: These restaurants offer moderate wages with tip potential based on customer volume.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Often have standardized pay rates and possibly fewer tipping opportunities.
- Fine Dining: Provide higher hourly wages and significant tip income due to affluent clientele.
- Hotels and Event Venues: May offer steady work with competitive pay and tips.
The type of establishment can strongly affect earnings, with fine dining spots typically providing the highest total compensation for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Philadelphia for Waitresses
If you're interested in exploring careers similar to being a Waitress, here are some related positions in the hospitality industry:
This includes related roles such as Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, each with unique responsibilities and earning potential.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Philadelphia
Waitresses should familiarize themselves with applicable labor laws and taxation rules in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
- Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry official website for detailed information on labor regulations, minimum wage, and workers’ rights.
- The City of Philadelphia's official website provides resources on local employment standards and additional regulations that may apply.