Waitress Salary in Wilmington, NC
Waitresses in Wilmington, NC, in 2026, earn approximately $17.18 per hour, which translates to about $687.20 per week, $2,977.87 per month, and $35,734.40 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Wilmington is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating a promising outlook for job seekers and those currently in this role.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Wilmington, NC?
The salary of a Waitress in Wilmington varies depending on experience and venue, but here is an overview of earnings based on various experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.85 | $394.00 | $1,706.67 | $20,488.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.18 | $687.20 | $2,977.87 | $35,734.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.97 | $1,198.80 | $5,194.00 | $62,337.60 |
Do Waitresses in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Waitresses typically earn a significant portion of their income through tips. In Wilmington, a Waitress can often make around $10 or more per hour in tips alone, boosting their overall earnings substantially.
Waitress Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average hourly wage of about $17.18, resulting in approximately $35,734.40 per year.
Comparing this, Waitresses in Wilmington earn on par with the national average, reflecting a consistent wage level that aligns closely with the rest of the country.
This average may fluctuate depending on specifics like establishment type and personal experience.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Waitresses
Nearby areas to Wilmington offer competitive or higher wages for Waitresses:
- Downtown Wilmington: $18.50 per hour
- Wrightsville Beach: $19.00 per hour
Working in these nearby localities may offer Waitresses a slight increase in hourly pay, making them attractive alternatives for those willing to commute.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Wilmington?
Several factors affect how much a Waitress can earn in Wilmington:
- Experience: More experienced Waitresses tend to command higher wages and better tip earnings.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal, multitasking, and upselling skills can improve earnings.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining venues generally pay more in base wages and tips than fast casual or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts often offer higher earning opportunities through tips or shift differentials.
- Customer Volume: Busy establishments provide more tipping opportunities.
How To Become a Waitress in Wilmington
Starting a career as a Waitress in Wilmington involves several steps and preparation:
- Gain Basic Food Service Training: Programs such as the Cape Fear Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training, valuable even for Waitresses preparing for broader roles.
- Consider Hospitality Education: The UNC Wilmington Hospitality Management Program provides training in customer service and restaurant operations, beneficial for career advancement.
- Obtain Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety standards, which is highly regarded by employers.
- Complete Alcohol Server Training: The North Carolina Alcohol Server Training is mandatory for servers handling alcoholic beverages, focusing on responsible service and state laws.
- Develop Strong Customer Service Skills: Experience working in customer-facing roles enhances your job prospects and income potential.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Wilmington
Several well-known restaurant chains are actively hiring Waitresses in Wilmington:
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Waffle House
- Olive Garden
- Red Lobster
- Outback Steakhouse
Establishments That Waitresses in Wilmington Work At
Waitresses in Wilmington typically find employment in a variety of dining settings:
- Casual Restaurants: Provide steady employment with moderate wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Usually offer quicker service but less tipping opportunity.
- Fine Dining: Tend to offer higher wages and significant tipping potential due to upscale clientele and service expectations.
- Chain Restaurants: Often provide consistent schedules and predictable wages, sometimes with less tipping than independent venues.
The nature of the establishment heavily impacts wage structure, work environment, and tip amounts.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Waitresses
If you’re interested in roles similar to Waitress, consider these related hospitality positions:
These include Backwaiter, Bartender, and Waiter/Waitress roles which share overlapping skills and job functions.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Wilmington
Waitresses should be knowledgeable about labor laws and tax regulations affecting their work and income in Wilmington:
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for general employment rules.
- Visit the North Carolina Department of Labor website for state-specific labor laws and rights.
- The City of Wilmington official website offers local regulations and resources helpful to workers.