Waitress Salary in St-Petersburg, FL
Waitresses in St-Petersburg, FL, 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 job demand for Waitresses in St-Petersburg is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local hospitality industry annually.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in St-Petersburg, FL?
The salary of a Waitress in St-Petersburg can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across different levels of experience.
| 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 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in St-Petersburg Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base wage. They can expect to earn an extra approximately $10 per hour in tips, which significantly supplements their overall income depending on the establishment and customer volume.
Waitress Salary in St-Petersburg vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in St-Petersburg earn slightly less at about $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St-Petersburg for Waitresses
When considering nearby areas, Waitress salaries show variation:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Old Northeast: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in Old Northeast can anticipate higher earnings compared to Downtown, reflecting neighborhood dining preferences and clientele.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in St-Petersburg?
Several important factors influence the salary of a Waitress in St-Petersburg:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses typically command higher wages and better tip earnings.
- Skills and Customer Service Quality: Exceptional communication and multitasking skills can lead to repeat customers and higher tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and fine dining usually offer better base pay and tips compared to fast-casual or diner-style restaurants.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may offer more lucrative tipping opportunities.
- Local Competition and Demand: In areas with high hospitality demand, wages and tips tend to be higher.
How To Become a Waitress in St-Petersburg
Starting a career as a Waitress in St-Petersburg involves several steps to enhance your employability and earn potential:
- Complete Food Service Training: Enroll in culinary or hospitality programs, such as those offered by Pinellas Technical College Culinary Arts Program or St. Petersburg College Hospitality and Tourism Management.
- Obtain Required Certifications: Acquire the Florida Food Handler Certification and consider completing ServSafe Certification, which are commonly required for food service positions.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start in entry-level positions in restaurants to build your customer service skills and knowledge of restaurant operations.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Being personable and efficient improves customer experiences and enhances tip earnings.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in St-Petersburg
Several notable local employers commonly hiring Waitresses include:
- The Birchwood
- The Mill
- Red Mesa Restaurant
Establishments That Waitresses in St-Petersburg Work At
Waitresses in St-Petersburg typically find roles in a variety of establishments including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often provide steady hours but may have lower base wages.
- Fast Casual Outlets: Usually offer quicker service and moderate wages with variable tipping.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Offer the highest earning potential due to elevated base pay and generous tips.
- Bars and Nightclubs: May provide opportunities for higher tips but often require working late hours.
The type of establishment significantly influences earnings, with fine dining venues generally offering the best total compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St-Petersburg for Waitresses
If you're considering careers related to Waitressing, here are similar roles worth exploring:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, each involving customer service and food service responsibilities with varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in St-Petersburg
Waitresses in St-Petersburg should be familiar with labor laws and taxation applicable at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Information about federal labor laws is available on the Federal website for labor laws and regulations.
- Details on state-specific regulations and requirements can be found at State of Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
- The Official website of the City of St. Petersburg, Florida offers resources relevant to local working conditions and licensing.