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Top 15 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in Miami, FL – July 2024 Job Listings
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The Miami metropolitan area offers Waiters and Waitresses plenty of employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 54,080 Waiters and Waitresses worked in the Magic City in 2023.
Best Waiter/Waitress Jobs in Miami (Hiring Now!)
Here are some of the best waiting jobs available in Miami now.
Aramark
Waitstaff/Server
Miami
30,000$–$34,600 a year
Full-time
Aromas Del Peru
Server/Waiter
Miami
$30,000–$33,700 a year
Full-time
Belmont Village Senior Living
Server/Waitstaff
Miami
$16 per hour
Part-time
Buffalo Wild Wings
Server/Waiter
Miami
$33,280–$39,520
Full-time
Crew Life at Sea
Assistant Waiter
Miami
$30,000–$32,800 a year
Full-time
Minty Z
Server/Waiter
Miami
$31,200–62,400
Full-time
Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club
Server/Waitstaff
Miami
$30,000–$33,200 a year
Full-time
The Front Porch Cafe
Server/Waiter
Miami
$45,032–$124,800 a year
Full-time
The Melting Pot
Server/Waiter/Waitress
Miami
$15,600–$36,400 per year
Part-time
Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design
Waitstaff
Miami
$30,000–$33,800 a year
Full-time
Chartwells Higher Education
Waiter/Waitress
Miami
9.3$ per hour
On-call
Maü Miami
Head Waiter
Miami
$60,000 to $70,000 per year
Full-time
Nusr-Et
Server Assistant
Miami
$31,200
Full-time
Ovo at The Altair
Server/Waiter/Waitress
Miami
$18-$23 per hour
Part-time
Talavera Cocina
Waiter/Server
Miami
$24,960 - $62,400 per year
Full-time
Salary Trends for Waiter/Waitress Jobs in Miami
The average Waiter/Waitress wage in Miami is $17.96 base plus tips per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistcs (BLS). This translates into an annual salary of $37,360 base plus tips for full-time positions.
Compare the average salaries Waiters and Waitresses make in major U.S. cities:
Miami
Annual mean wage
$37,360
Employment
54,080
New York City
Annual mean wage
$50,860
Employment
136,960
Chicago
Annual mean wage
$34,340
Employment
67,270
Los Angeles
Annual mean wage
$40,520
Employment
82,410
[Source: BLS]
Tipping Trends for Waiters and Waitresses
In Miami, Waiters and Waitresses heavily rely on tips, which make up a significant portion of their earnings in addition to their base wages.
The tips they receive can fluctuate depending on factors like their attentiveness, friendliness and efficiency. Waiters and Waitresses who excel in providing exceptional service often receive more generous tips.
Below, you’ll find the tipping trends in the U.S. for 2023.
[Source: Forbes]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
If you work as a Waiter or Waitress in Miami, use our Florida Paycheck Calculator to accurately estimate your take-home pay.
Whether you’re paid hourly or receive a fixed salary, our calculator will assist you in accurately estimating your earnings.
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Disclaimer: Please note that this paycheck calculator is designed to provide an estimate and should not be considered as professional tax advice. The actual withholding amounts and taxes owed may vary depending on individual circumstances and other factors. For accurate and personalized tax advice, we recommend consulting with a tax professional.
Waiter/Waitress Salary Compared to Similar Positions in Miami
In Miami, Waiters and Waitresses earn less than Line Cooks but more than Barbacks and Food Runners.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Line Cook | |
| Barback | |
| Food Runner |
Factors That Affect Waiter/Waitress Earnings
Here are the factors that influence the average Waiter/Waitress salary:
Type of Establishment
Where a Waiter or Waitress works makes a big difference in how much they earn. Fancy restaurants, upscale places or those with Michelin stars usually pay more and attract generous tippers, boosting the staff’s earnings.
In contrast, casual eateries or fast-food spots tend to pay less and result in smaller tips.
Location
Location matters too for Waiters and Waitresses’ earnings. Big cities like New York City or Miami often mean higher living costs and bigger tips on average. Also, places with lots of tourists dining out can mean more money for the waitstaff.
Experience and Skill Level
Experienced Waiters and Waitresses who provide excellent customer service and have loyal customers often receive larger tips. They may also get to work at higher-paying establishments.
Shifts and Hours Worked
The timing of shifts also affects earnings. Nights, weekends and holidays usually mean more tips because there are more customers spending money. Additionally, Waiters and Waitresses who work full-time or have flexible schedules often earn more than part-time or seasonal workers.
Teamwork and Collaboration
In some restaurants, tips are shared among the front-of-house staff, like Bussers, Bartenders or Hosts/Hostesses. This can ensure fairness, but it might also result in smaller tips for each individual compared to places where the waitstaff keeps all their tips.
Economic Factors
Overall economic conditions, such as unemployment rates and consumer spending, influence tipping behavior. During tough times, people might tip less, but during prosperous periods, tips tend to be larger.
Quiz: Is Waiter/Waitress the Right Role for You?
Results
Congratulations!
Based on your responses, it appears that a career as an Waiter/Waitress could be an excellent fit for you. Your skills and preferences align well with the demands of the role.
Embrace this opportunity and consider furthering your training or gaining hands-on experience to enhance your management abilities. Visit our Waiter/Waitress Career page for more info.
Here’s to a promising future in waiting!
There’s great potential!
While the quiz results suggest that a Waiter/Waitress role may not be an immediate perfect match, there’s ample opportunity for growth and success with commitment and focused effort.
Consider investing time in honing your management skills, perhaps by taking courses or gaining more experience in restaurant operations. You can also visit our Waiter/Waitress Career page to learn more about what this dynamic role entails and how you can improve your chances.
#1. When faced with a challenging situation during service, such as a customer complaint or a sudden rush of orders, do you:
#2. As a Waiter/Waitress, are you comfortable providing guidance and support to your fellow team members during busy shifts?
#3. How do you feel about working long and sometimes unpredictable hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as part of your role in the restaurant industry?
#4. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service as a Waiter/Waitress?
#5. As a Waiter/Waitress, do you possess strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced restaurant environment?
#6. How do you approach problem-solving in a restaurant setting as a Waiter/Waitress?
#7. Are you comfortable with handling financial transactions, such as processing payments and managing checks, as part of your duties as a Waiter/Waitress?
#8. How do you feel about working in a collaborative environment where teamwork among waitstaff is crucial for providing excellent service?
#9. Are you willing to continuously learn and adapt to changes in the restaurant industry, such as new menu items or updated service procedures?
#10. How important is career growth and advancement in the restaurant industry to you as a Waiter/Waitress?
Legal Requirements for Waiter/Waitress Jobs in Miami
In Miami, Waiters and Waitresses, like all workers, are covered by various labor laws and regulations. Some of the key legal requirements for Waiters and Waitresses in Miami include:
- Minimum wage: Waiters and Waitresses must receive at least Florida’s state-mandated minimum wage, which currently stands at $12.00 per hour.
- Overtime pay: Waiters and Waitresses qualify for overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage if they work over 40 hours in a week.
- Tips: If tipping is permitted, Waiters and Waitresses retain their tips. Employers are barred from claiming a portion, except in limited circumstances as outlined by law.
- Age requirement: Florida labor laws don’t specify a minimum age for Waiters and Waitresses, but federal law prohibits employing children under 14 years old in non-agricultural roles.
- Breaks: While Florida employers aren’t obligated to provide rest breaks, exceptions apply for employees aged 17 or younger.
- Workplace safety: Employers are obligated to ensure a safe workplace, providing safety training and adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
- Discrimination and harassment protections: Waiters and Waitresses are protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of characteristics like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability, as required by federal, state and local laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every individual tasked with food preparation or service in Florida must obtain their Food Handler’s license within 30 days of employment. This includes various roles such as Waiters and Waitresses, Chefs, Cooks and Baristas, among others.
Other certifications or licenses that may be required depending on the specific establishment or type of service provided include: Alcohol Server Certification, CPR and First Aid Certification, as well as specialized training in areas such as food safety and hygiene protocols.
The working hours for Waiters/Waitresses can vary depending on factors such as the restaurant’s operating hours, peak dining times and individual scheduling preferences. Here are some typical considerations:
- Evening and weekend shifts: Waiters/waitresses often work during evenings, weekends and holidays, as these are peak times for dining out. These shifts may extend into late hours, especially in establishments that serve dinner or offer late-night dining options.
- Flexible scheduling: Many restaurants offer flexible scheduling to accommodate employees’ availability and preferences. Waitstaff may have the opportunity to request specific shifts or days off, depending on the needs of the restaurant and the availability of other staff members.
- Part-time and full-time options: Some Waiters and Waitresses work part-time schedules, while others may work full-time hours, depending on their employment status and the restaurant’s staffing needs.
- Seasonal variations: In tourist destinations like Miami, seasonal variations in customer traffic may impact waitstaff’s working
Miami’s vibrant dining scene offers numerous opportunities for waitstaff employment across various neighborhoods. Here are some areas with a high demand for waitstaff:
- South Beach: Known for its bustling nightlife and upscale dining options, South Beach attracts tourists and locals alike, creating a high demand for waitstaff in restaurants, bars and cafes.
- Downtown Miami: With its thriving business district and diverse culinary scene, Downtown Miami offers numerous opportunities for waitstaff in fine dining establishments, casual eateries and corporate dining venues.
- Brickell: As one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, Brickell features luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and trendy bars, providing ample employment opportunities for waitstaff.
Yes, there are language proficiency expectations for serving customers in Miami, given its diverse population and cultural influences.
While English is commonly spoken and understood in many establishments, proficiency in Spanish can also be highly beneficial due to Miami’s significant Spanish-speaking population.
Additionally, proficiency in other languages may be advantageous, depending on the specific clientele served by the establishment.
Miami’s status as a popular tourist destination and seasonal fluctuations in customer traffic create opportunities for seasonal or temporary employment in the restaurant industry.
Miami hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as Art Basel, Miami Music Week and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, which may require additional staff to meet increased demand.
Moreover, Miami experiences peak tourism seasons during winter and spring, attracting visitors from around the world to enjoy the city’s beaches, attractions and dining establishments, creating opportunities for seasonal employment.
With Miami being a popular tourist destination and home to a vibrant dining scene, there is a constant need for waitstaff in various establishments, ranging from upscale restaurants to casual eateries and bars.
Still, while opportunities abound, aspiring waiters/waitresses should be prepared to showcase skills and differentiate themselves in a competitive job market.