Waitress Salary in Springfield, MO
Waitresses in Springfield, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $16.54 per hour, which translates to about $661.60 per week, $2,866.93 per month, and $34,403.20 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Springfield is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing job opportunities in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Springfield, MO?
The salary of a Waitress in Springfield can vary depending on experience and where they work. Here's a breakdown by experience level for typical earnings in the area.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.75 | $550.00 | $2,383.33 | $28,600.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.54 | $661.60 | $2,866.93 | $34,403.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.56 | $982.40 | $4,244.53 | $50,964.80 |
Do Waitresses in Springfield Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Springfield typically earn tips as a substantial part of their income. On average, a Waitress can earn an extra $10 per hour in tips, which significantly boosts their overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Springfield vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn around $17.60 per hour, amounting to about $36,608 per year.
Compared to this, Waitresses in Springfield earn a bit less hourly at $16.54 per hour and $34,403.20 annually. This difference can be influenced by the local cost of living and demand for hospitality services in Springfield.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Springfield for Waitresses
Nearby Springfield, pay rates for Waitresses vary slightly depending on the area:
- Downtown Springfield: $17.50 per hour
- Southside Springfield: $18.00 per hour
These neighborhoods offer higher wages compared to Springfield’s average, likely due to busier dining scenes and more upscale establishments.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Springfield?
Several factors influence a Waitress's salary in Springfield:
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced Waitresses usually command higher wages and better shifts.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication, upselling abilities, and attentiveness can increase tips and overall pay.
- Establishment Type: Upscale, fine dining venues typically pay better wages and generate better tips than fast food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening or weekend shifts might offer higher tips or differential pay rates.
- Local Demand: Areas with high tourist traffic or busier nightlife generally offer better earning potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Springfield
Becoming a successful Waitress in Springfield involves several steps and educational paths:
- Gain Basic Food Service Training: Entry into this role often requires knowledge of food safety, which can be obtained through programs like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification.
- Attend Local Culinary or Hospitality Programs: Schools such as Ozarks Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program and Missouri State University Hospitality Leadership Program provide excellent training relevant to food service and hospitality roles.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications like the Missouri Responsible Serving of Alcohol are often required for serving in establishments offering alcohol.
- Develop Strong Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication, patience, and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Gain Experience: Many Waitresses start in entry-level roles such as Food Runners or Busser positions to build foundational experience.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Springfield
Several well-known restaurant chains are major employers of Waitresses in Springfield, including:
- Red Lobster
- Olive Garden
- Applebee's
- Chili's
- Outback Steakhouse
Establishments That Waitresses in Springfield Work At
Waitresses in Springfield are employed across various types of dining venues, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer moderate pay with steady tips; chain and local restaurants fall in this category.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually provide higher wages and generous tips due to clientele and service expectations.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: May offer lower base pay and fewer tips but good for gaining experience quickly.
- Bars and Nightclubs: If allowed to serve alcohol, tips can be substantial but may require specific certifications.
The type of establishment significantly impacts a Waitress’s hourly wage and total tip earnings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Springfield for Waitresses
If you're considering alternatives or related roles to being a Waitress, consider these similar hospitality jobs that share skills and income potential.
These include Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter roles – all within the vibrant hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Springfield
Understanding local and federal labor laws is critical for Waitresses to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- For Federal labor laws and regulations visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Missouri-specific labor information and resources are available at the Missouri Labor Department.
- Local regulations and employment resources for Springfield can be found on the Springfield government website.