Waitress Salary in Westminster, CO
Waitresses in Westminster, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $20.47 per hour, which translates to about $818.80 per week, $3,548.13 per month, and $42,577.60 per year.
The job market for Waitresses in Westminster is growing positively with about 5% annual growth, indicating an increasing demand for Waitresses in the local hospitality industry year over year.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Westminster, CO?
The salary of a Waitress in Westminster varies depending on experience and employer, but here’s an overview of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.81 | $592.40 | $2,565.07 | $30,768.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.47 | $818.80 | $3,548.13 | $42,577.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.24 | $1,449.60 | $6,264.80 | $75,379.20 |
Do Waitresses in Westminster Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses often earn tips in addition to their hourly wages. In Westminster, a Waitress can typically make an extra $10 to $15 per hour in tips, depending on the establishment and customer volume, which substantially boosts total income.
Waitress Salary in Westminster, CO vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.50 per hour, which translates to about $36,400 per year.
Comparatively, Waitresses in Westminster make significantly more at approximately $20.47 hourly and $42,577.60 yearly. This difference can be explained by higher local living costs and an active hospitality sector.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Westminster for Waitresses
Nearby cities that offer higher pay for Waitresses include:
- Thornton: $28.75 per hour
- Lone Tree: $25.49 per hour
Waitresses willing to commute might find better compensation in Thornton and Lone Tree, with Thornton offering the highest hourly rate among these areas.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Westminster?
Several key factors influence how much a Waitress can earn in Westminster:
- Experience Level: Veteran Waitresses with proven skills generally command higher wages and better tips.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and fine dining venues usually pay more than casual or fast-food outlets.
- Customer Volume and Location: Busy locations with high customer turnover can increase tip potential.
- Skills and Certifications: Additional skills like beverage knowledge or a TIPS certification may improve earnings.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often pay more due to demand and tips.
How To Become a Waitress in Westminster
Starting a career as a Waitress in Westminster involves several important steps:
- Gain Basic Food Service Training: Enroll in culinary or hospitality introduction courses like the ones at Front Range Community College Culinary Arts Program or Emily Griffith Technical College Culinary Arts Program.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required in the food service industry.
- Consider Alcohol Service Training: The TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification equips Waitresses to responsibly handle alcohol service.
- Get Hands-On Experience: Entry-level positions in casual dining or fast casual restaurants provide necessary practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Westminster
The following establishments in Westminster frequently look for skilled Waitresses:
- Olde Town Grille
- Copper Door Restaurant
- Windy Saddle Café
Establishments That Waitresses in Westminster Work At
Waitresses in Westminster can expect to work in a diverse array of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining: Offers steady hours and tips; wages may be moderate.
- Fast Casual: Typically faster paced with fewer tipping opportunities; hourly wages can be slightly higher due to less tipping.
- Fine Dining: Usually the highest paying in terms of tips and base wage, demanding greater skill.
- Chain Restaurants: Consistent work but often lower tip averages compared to independent establishments.
The type of establishment significantly impacts overall compensation, with fine dining providing the greatest earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Westminster for Waitresses
If you're interested in similar hospitality roles, consider careers such as:
These include Bartender, Fine Dining Server, and Backwaiter positions, all of which share related skills and environments with Waitressing.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Westminster
Waitresses should be mindful of labor laws and tax obligations relevant to Colorado:
- Colorado state regulations are available on the official State of Colorado website, offering comprehensive employment standards.
- Federal labor laws and resources can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.