Waitress Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Waitresses in Winston-Salem, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $15.56 per hour, which translates to about $622.40 per week, $2,697.07 per month, and $32,364.80 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Winston-Salem is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy outlook and rising opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The salary of a Waitress in Winston-Salem can vary depending on experience and establishment. Below are typical earnings for different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.06 | $362.40 | $1,567.20 | $18,816.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.56 | $622.40 | $2,697.07 | $32,364.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.71 | $1,068.40 | $4,620.73 | $55,476.80 |
Do Waitresses in Winston-Salem Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses typically earn tips in addition to their base pay. They can often make an extra $10 per hour in tips, significantly boosting their overall earnings throughout the workday.
Waitress Salary in Winston-Salem vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of around $17.50 per hour, translating to about $36,400 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Winston-Salem earn slightly less at about $15.56 per hour and $32,364.80 annually.
This difference may be influenced by local economic conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Winston-Salem for Waitresses
When looking at nearby neighborhoods, waitress salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown: $17.50 per hour
- Buena Vista: $16.80 per hour
Waitresses working in Downtown Winston-Salem tend to have the highest earning potential compared to other nearby areas.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Winston-Salem?
Several key factors influence the salary of a Waitress in Winston-Salem:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Waitresses with excellent customer service skills tend to earn more, especially when combined with higher tips.
- Type of Establishment: Waitresses in fine dining restaurants usually make more than those in casual or fast food settings due to higher tips and wages.
- Shift Timing: Evening and weekend shifts can offer higher wages or better tipping opportunities.
- Location: Waitresses working in busy areas like Downtown generally earn more due to higher customer volume and tipping.
- Special Certifications: Certifications such as North Carolina Alcohol Server Training can enhance job prospects and pay.
How To Become a Waitress in Winston-Salem
Starting a career as a Waitress in Winston-Salem involves a few important steps:
- Develop Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication and multitasking abilities are critical for success.
- Gain Experience: Entry-level positions may require little formal education but benefit from prior hospitality or food service experience.
- Consider Relevant Training: Programs such as Forsyth Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program and Wake Forest University Hospitality Management Program provide useful industry knowledge.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and North Carolina Alcohol Server Training are often required or preferred for handling food safety and serving alcohol responsibly.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Winston-Salem
Several popular local establishments actively hire Waitresses, including:
- The Porch Kitchen and Cantina
- 6th Avenue Bistro
- Camella’s Wood Fired Pizza
- Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
- Village Tavern
Establishments That Waitresses in Winston-Salem Work At
Waitresses in Winston-Salem find employment in a variety of settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide consistent hours with modest wages and tips.
- Fast Casual Diners: Typically offer moderate wages but smaller tips due to faster service style.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually pay higher wages and provide greater tipping potential, boosting overall earnings.
- Bars and Cantinas: Can offer additional tip income, especially with alcohol service.
The establishment type heavily influences earning potential, with upscale venues generally providing the highest overall compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Winston-Salem for Waitresses
If you are considering alternate or related roles, here are a few careers closely aligned with being a Waitress:
These include Server, Backwaiter, and Fine Dining Server positions, which share similar responsibilities and work environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Winston-Salem
It is important for Waitresses to understand the legal framework and tax requirements applicable in Winston-Salem, NC.
- Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for comprehensive information on federal labor laws and worker rights.
- Explore the North Carolina State official website for state-specific labor laws, minimum wage details, and employment regulations.