Waitress Salary in Syracuse, NY
Waitresses in Syracuse, NY, in 2026, earn approximately $18.61 per hour, which translates to about $744.40 per week, $3,225.73 per month, and $38,708.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Syracuse is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Syracuse, NY?
The salary of a Waitress in Syracuse varies depending on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Here's a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.61 | $744.40 | $3,225.73 | $38,708.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.18 | $1,247.20 | $5,391.47 | $64,854.40 |
Do Waitresses in Syracuse Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Syracuse typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. On average, they can make an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall income.
Waitress Salary in Syracuse vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $17.55 per hour and approximately $36,504 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Syracuse earn slightly more at around $18.61 per hour and $38,708.80 annually. This reflects a slightly better pay scale in Syracuse than across the country.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Syracuse for Waitresses
Waitress salaries can vary by neighborhood within the Syracuse area. The highest-paying nearby areas include:
- Downtown Syracuse: $20.00 per hour
- University Hill: $19.50 per hour
Working in Downtown Syracuse offers the best pay for Waitresses nearby, with University Hill close behind.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Syracuse?
Several factors can influence how much a Waitress earns in Syracuse:
- Experience: More experienced Waitresses generally command higher wages and better tips.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication and customer service skills can increase tip earnings and job opportunities.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants or busy tourist venues often pay better wages and provide more substantial tips than casual or fast-food settings.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher pay, especially if busy or with tip pooling.
- Local Economy and Competition: Economic conditions and competition among servers can impact wages and tips significantly.
How To Become a Waitress in Syracuse
To work as a Waitress in Syracuse, consider the following steps to prepare and improve your employment prospects:
- Gain basic culinary and service knowledge: Participating in programs such as the Onondaga Community College Culinary Arts Program can provide essential food service skills.
- Explore hospitality studies: The Syracuse University Hospitality Management Program offers education on restaurant operations, enhancing career development.
- Obtain required certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is nationally recognized and demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices.
- Complete required alcohol service training: Many establishments require the New York State Alcohol Training Awareness Program (ATAP) certification for servers serving alcohol.
- Gain hands-on experience: Starting in entry-level service positions builds foundational skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Syracuse
Some of the leading employers currently hiring Waitresses in Syracuse include:
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Pastabilities
- The Mission Restaurant
- Francesca's Cucina
Establishments That Waitresses in Syracuse Work At
Waitresses in Syracuse typically find employment in a range of establishments such as casual dining, fast casual, and fine dining restaurants.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary:
- Casual Dining: Offers steady hours and moderate wages with the opportunity to earn tips.
- Fast Casual: Usually lower base pay but may have more consistent shifts.
- Fine Dining: Generally offers higher base pay and greater tip potential due to higher check averages.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Often include late shifts with possible tip pooling, affecting income variability.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Syracuse for Waitresses
If you are interested in roles related to being a Waitress, consider these careers which share similar skills and work environments.
These include roles such as Server, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter, which involve related service duties and can offer different salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Syracuse
Waitresses should be familiar with the labor laws and tax regulations relevant to their job in Syracuse.
- For federal labor laws and employment information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For New York State-specific labor laws and resources, check the New York State Department of Labor website.
- For local regulations and government information, the official City of Syracuse website provides additional resources.