Waitress Salary in Upper-Darby, PA
Waitresses in Upper-Darby, PA, in 2025, earn approximately $19.16 per hour, which translates to about $766.40 per week, $3,321.07 per month, and $39,852.80 per year.
The demand for waitresses in Upper-Darby is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Upper-Darby, PA?
The salary of a Waitress in Upper-Darby can vary widely depending on experience level and employer type. The following table breaks down typical earnings from entry level to the top earners in the area.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.50 | $500.00 | $2,166.67 | $26,000.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.16 | $766.40 | $3,321.07 | $39,852.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.36 | $1,174.40 | $5,084.27 | $61,027.20 |
Do Waitresses in Upper-Darby Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Upper-Darby typically earn tips in addition to their base wage. They can make approximately $10 per hour in tips, which significantly enhances their overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Upper-Darby vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of about $17.10 per hour, or roughly $35,568 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Upper-Darby earn slightly more, with an average hourly wage of $19.16 and an annual salary close to $39,852.80. This difference may be due to local demand, cost of living, and tipping practices.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Upper-Darby for Waitresses
Nearby areas with higher wages for Waitresses include:
- North Wales: $22.67 per hour
- Lancaster: $17.20 per hour
North Wales offers a higher average hourly rate for Waitresses compared to Upper-Darby, while Lancaster pays slightly less. Commuting to these areas could affect salary potential.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Upper-Darby?
Several factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Upper-Darby:
- Experience: More experienced Waitresses tend to command higher wages and are often tipped better due to their proficiency and service quality.
- Skills: Communication skills, multitasking ability, and familiarity with POS systems can enhance employability and pay.
- Type of Establishment: Employment at fine dining restaurants or high-end breweries usually comes with better tips and sometimes higher base wages, compared to fast-casual settings.
- Shift Timing: Weekend and evening shifts may offer higher tips or shift differentials.
How To Become a Waitress in Upper-Darby
Beginning a career as a Waitress in Upper-Darby can be straightforward, but certain steps can improve job prospects and salary potential.
- Complete relevant training programs, such as those offered by Delaware County Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Community College of Philadelphia Hospitality Management Program, to gain core skills in foodservice and hospitality.
- Obtain food safety certification like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, which is often required by employers.
- Gain Pennsylvania-specific alcohol service certification through RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program), mandatory for serving at venues that handle alcoholic beverages.
- Develop strong customer service skills through experience in various foodservice environments.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Upper-Darby
Popular local employers actively recruiting Waitresses include:
- Studio Movie Grill
- Will's + Bill's Brewery and Restaurant
- The Crown Tavern
Establishments That Waitresses in Upper-Darby Work At
Waitresses in Upper-Darby find employment in a variety of settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often a central source of jobs, usually offering moderate base pay with tips playing a larger role in income.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Typically a faster-paced environment with lower base pay but still some tipping.
- Breweries and Taprooms: These venues may offer higher hourly wages and generous tips due to a more upscale clientele.
- Movie Theaters and Entertainment Venues: Employers like Studio Movie Grill combine food service with entertainment, offering unique opportunities and sometimes different tipping structures.
The type of establishment greatly influences overall earnings, with upscale or specialized venues generally offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Upper-Darby for Waitresses
If you are exploring careers related to Waitressing, here are some similar roles that may interest you:
These include Bartender, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server, all of which share responsibilities and skills with the Waitress position but vary in service style and earnings.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Upper-Darby
Waitresses in Upper-Darby must comply with an array of labor and tax regulations at both the state and federal levels. Important resources include:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for information on labor laws, wage standards, and employment rights specific to Pennsylvania.
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website offers crucial guidance on federal tax obligations for employed individuals.
- For broader labor regulations under federal law, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor resources.