Waitress Salary in Racine, WI
Waitresses in Racine, WI, 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 Racine is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating increasing job opportunities and a healthy outlook for this role in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Racine, WI?
The salary of a Waitress in Racine varies based on experience and skills. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| 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 | $2,427.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Racine Earn Tips?
Waitresses commonly earn tips, which can significantly supplement their base salary. In Racine, a Waitress can typically earn an extra $10 per hour in tips or more, depending on the establishment and customer volume. This additional income is an important factor in the overall earnings for Waitresses.
Waitress Salary in Racine vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn about $14.50 per hour and roughly $30,160 per year. In comparison, Waitresses in Racine make slightly below the national average at $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually.
This difference can relate to variations in cost of living, local industry demand, and economic factors specific to Racine.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Racine for Waitresses
Nearby areas often offer variations in salary for Waitresses:
- Downtown Racine: $15.50 per hour
- Ridgewood - Kurwick Estates: $17.60 per hour
Working in Ridgewood - Kurwick Estates tends to offer the highest pay for Waitresses near Racine, reflecting perhaps different restaurant types or client base.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Racine?
Several key factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Racine:
- Experience and seniority: More experienced Waitresses typically earn higher wages and may receive better tips.
- Skillset: Strong customer service, upselling ability, and efficiency can boost earnings.
- Type of establishment: High-end restaurants or busy venues usually offer better pay and more tipping opportunities than casual or fast-food outlets.
- Hours and shift differentials: Evening or weekend shifts might pay more due to increased demand.
- Local economic conditions: Wage levels and tipping culture in Racine directly affect overall compensation.
How To Become a Waitress in Racine
Starting a career as a Waitress in Racine can involve several steps to improve employability and earnings:
- Training programs: Enrolling in the Gateway Technical College Culinary Arts Program helps build foundational knowledge in food service and customer interaction.
- Food safety and hygiene certifications: Obtaining certificates like the ServSafe Certification Course or Food Handler Certification ensures compliance with health standards.
- Alcohol service training: Many establishments require the Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training for safe alcohol service.
- Gaining experience: Starting in entry-level roles within restaurants or cafés allows practical skill development.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Racine
Notable employers recruiting Waitresses in Racine include:
- Denny's
- Texas Roadhouse
- Panda Restaurant Group
Establishments That Waitresses in Racine Work At
Waitresses in Racine commonly find work at various types of establishments:
- Casual dining restaurants: These offer steady work hours with moderate base pay and tipping.
- Fast casual and family restaurants: Pay tends to be on the lower end, but tips can supplement income.
- Fine dining establishments: Generally, they provide better pay and higher tipping potential.
- Bars and pubs: Can offer higher tip income, especially during busy nights.
The setting often influences the overall earnings due to differences in wages, tips, and clientele.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Racine for Waitresses
If you are interested in roles similar to a Waitress, consider other hospitality jobs that involve customer service and food service skills.
Similar roles include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Banquet Server, which involve comparable duties and may offer different salary potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Racine
Waitresses should familiarize themselves with labor regulations and tax obligations to protect their rights and ensure compliance.
- For federal labor laws and wage standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.
- State-specific employment resources and regulations are available at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- For local government details, including business and community resources, see the City of Racine's official website.