Waitress Salary in Wilmington, DE
Waitresses in Wilmington, DE, in 2025, earn approximately $17.43 per hour, which translates to about $697.20 per week, $3,021.20 per month, and $36,254.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Wilmington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and increasing opportunities in the hospitality and service industries in the area.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Wilmington, DE?
The salary of a Waitress in Wilmington can vary depending on experience and the type of establishment. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.43 | $697.20 | $3,021.20 | $36,254.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.74 | $1,069.60 | $4,623.47 | $55,539.20 |
Do Waitresses in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Wilmington commonly earn tips that can significantly boost their income. On average, a Waitress can expect to make an extra $10 per hour in tips, which can make a substantial difference in take-home pay.
Waitress Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.43 per hour, which translates to about $36,254.40 per year.
In Wilmington, DE, the average hourly and yearly pay for Waitresses aligns exactly with the national average, at $17.43 per hour and $36,254.40 annually.
This parity suggests that Wilmington offers competitive wages in line with broader market standards for Waitresses.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Waitresses
When examining nearby locations, salaries for Waitresses vary:
- New Castle: $24.74 per hour
- Middletown: $20.06 per hour
Waitresses working in New Castle tend to earn notably higher pay compared to Wilmington, while those in Middletown also enjoy better wages than average.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Wilmington?
Several key factors affect how much a Waitress can earn in Wilmington:
- Experience Level: More experienced Waitresses typically command higher wages and better tip potential.
- Skills and Customer Service: Strong communication and multitasking abilities increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants usually pay more than casual or fast-food venues.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening or weekend shifts might include higher pay or better tipping opportunities.
- Location: Working in nearby higher-paying municipalities can increase overall earnings.
How To Become a Waitress in Wilmington
To start a career as a Waitress in Wilmington, consider the following steps:
- Complete Hospitality or Culinary Programs: Pursue courses such as the Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program or the University of Delaware Hospitality Business Management Program to gain foundational skills.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification and TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Certification can improve employment prospects and demonstrate food safety and responsible alcohol service knowledge.
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Practice interpersonal and communication skills to excel in service roles.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level roles or internships in local restaurants are excellent for building relevant experience.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Wilmington
Several popular establishments are known for hiring Waitresses in the Wilmington area, including:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Wilmington Work At
Waitresses in Wilmington typically work in various types of establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments offer steady work with variable tip income.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Often provide lower base pay but higher volume of customers.
- Fine Dining Venues: Tend to offer higher base pay and greater tipping opportunities.
- Bars and Cafes: These environments may focus on beverage service with additional tip income.
The type of establishment greatly influences the base salary and tip potential for Waitresses.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Waitresses
If you are considering related roles in hospitality, here are some similar careers to Waitress that might interest you:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, each with related responsibilities and earning potential.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Wilmington
Waitresses should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax regulations relevant to Wilmington, DE.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal employment guidelines.
- Check the Delaware Department of Labor site for state-specific regulations and worker protections.
- For local ordinances and employment resources, see the City of Wilmington official website.