Top 10 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC, NY – July 2024 Job Listings

The metropolitan area of New York City currently employs 136,960 Waiters and Waitresses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is the highest number of Waiters and Waitresses employed in any metropolitan area in the United States.

Salary Trends for Waiter/Waitress Jobs in New York City

The average Waiter/Waitress wage in NYC is $24.45 base plus tips per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This translates into an annual salary of $50,860 base plus tips for full-time positions.

Compare the average salaries Waiters and Waitresses make in major U.S. cities.

[Source: BLS]

Tipping Trends for Waiters and Waitresses

Aside from their regular wages, Waiters and Waitresses in New York City heavily rely on tips as a significant portion of their overall earnings. The amount of tips a Waiter or Waitress receives can vary depending on factors such as attentiveness, efficiency and friendliness. Those who excel in ensuring a memorable dining experience are often rewarded with more generous tips.

The chart below shows tipping trends in the U.S. in 2023:

[Source: Forbes]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

If you are a Waiter or Waitress in NYC, try out our New York paycheck calculator to see what your take-home pay is in this state.

Whether you’re compensated hourly or on a fixed salary basis, our calculator will help you accurately determine your earnings.

Factors That Affect Waiter/Waitress Earnings

Here are the factors that influence the average Waiter/Waitress salary:

Type of Establishment

The type of restaurant or dining establishment where a Waiter or Waitress works significantly impacts their earnings. Fine dining establishments, upscale restaurants or establishments with Michelin stars typically offer higher base salaries and attract patrons who are more likely to tip generously, thus resulting in higher overall earnings for the waitstaff.

Conversely, casual diners or fast-food chains may offer lower base salaries and generally result in lower tip amounts.

Location

Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining Waiter/Waitress earnings. Urban areas, especially major cities like New York City or Miami, tend to have higher living costs and therefore higher average tip amounts. Additionally, areas with a strong tourism industry may offer increased earning potential due to higher volumes of customers and tourists dining out.

Experience and Skill Level

Experienced waitstaff who have honed their customer service skills and developed a loyal clientele often earn higher tips. Seasoned professionals may also have the opportunity to work in higher-end establishments that offer better compensation packages.

Shifts and Hours Worked

The shifts and hours worked by Waiters and Waitresses can significantly impact their earnings. Evening shifts, weekends and holidays typically result in higher tip amounts due to increased business and higher customer spending. Additionally, waitstaff who work full-time or have flexible schedules may have more earning potential compared to part-time or seasonal workers.

Teamwork and Collaboration

In some restaurants, tips may be pooled among the waitstaff or shared with other front-of-house employees such as those bussing tables, Bartenders, Hosts/Hostesses. This collaborative approach can lead to a more equitable distribution of earnings but may also result in lower individual tip amounts compared to establishments where tips are kept solely by the serving staff.

Economic Factors

Overall economic conditions, including factors such as unemployment rates, consumer spending habits and inflation, can impact tipping behavior and, consequently, Waiter/Waitress earnings.

During periods of economic downturn, customers may be more conservative with their spending and tip amounts, whereas, during periods of economic prosperity, tip amounts may increase.

Quiz: Is Waiter/Waitress the Right Role for You?

See if you have what it takes to be a Waiter or Waitress by taking our quiz below.

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:

Seek assistance from a manager or coworker

Seek assistance from a manager or coworker

Assess the situation calmly and take appropriate action

Assess the situation calmly and take appropriate action

Next

#2. As a Waiter/Waitress, are you comfortable providing guidance and support to your fellow team members during busy shifts?

Yes, I enjoy taking on leadership roles and ensuring smooth operations

Yes, I enjoy taking on leadership roles and ensuring smooth operations

No, I prefer to focus solely on my individual tasks

No, I prefer to focus solely on my individual tasks

Next

#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?

I don’t mind occasional evening or weekend shifts

I don’t mind occasional evening or weekend shifts

I prefer a set schedule and regular hours

I prefer a set schedule and regular hours

Next

#4. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service as a Waiter/Waitress?

Yes, providing excellent service is essential in my role

Yes, providing excellent service is essential in my role

No, customer service is not a priority for me

No, customer service is not a priority for me

Next

#5. As a Waiter/Waitress, do you possess strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced restaurant environment?

Yes, I thrive in high-pressure environments and can juggle multiple tasks efficiently

Yes, I thrive in high-pressure environments and can juggle multiple tasks efficiently

No, I struggle to stay organized and handle multiple tasks at once

No, I struggle to stay organized and handle multiple tasks at once

Next

#6. How do you approach problem-solving in a restaurant setting as a Waiter/Waitress?

Avoid confronting problems and hope they resolve themselves

Avoid confronting problems and hope they resolve themselves

Seek input from coworkers and brainstorm potential solutions

Seek input from coworkers and brainstorm potential solutions

Next

#7. Are you comfortable with handling financial transactions, such as processing payments and managing checks, as part of your duties as a Waiter/Waitress?

Yes, I am confident in my ability to handle cash transactions accurately

Yes, I am confident in my ability to handle cash transactions accurately

No, I have limited experience with financial tasks

No, I have limited experience with financial tasks

Next

#8. How do you feel about working in a collaborative environment where teamwork among waitstaff is crucial for providing excellent service?

I prefer working alone and find teamwork challenging

I prefer working alone and find teamwork challenging

I enjoy collaborating with others and believe teamwork enhances service quality

I enjoy collaborating with others and believe teamwork enhances service quality

Next

#9. Are you willing to continuously learn and adapt to changes in the restaurant industry, such as new menu items or updated service procedures?

Yes, I enjoy learning new skills and staying updated on industry trends

Yes, I enjoy learning new skills and staying updated on industry trends

No, I prefer to stick to familiar routines and practices

No, I prefer to stick to familiar routines and practices

Next

#10. How important is career growth and advancement in the restaurant industry to you as a Waiter/Waitress?

Not important, I am content with my current role

Not important, I am content with my current role

Very important, I am ambitious and strive for career progression

Very important, I am ambitious and strive for career progression

Finish

Legal Requirements for Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC

In New York City, Waiters and Waitresses, like all employees, are protected by various labor laws and regulations. Some of the key legal requirements for Waiters and Waitresses in New York City include:

• Wages: Waiters and Waitresses in New York City are guaranteed compensation at or above the minimum wage as stipulated by both New York State and New York City regulations. As of January 2024, the minimum wage in New York City stands at $16.00 per hour.
• Overtime compensation: Waiters and Waitresses are eligible for overtime pay if they exceed 40 hours of work in a single week, calculated at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.
• Break time: According to New York State labor laws, employees are entitled to designated meal breaks and rest periods, the duration of which depends on the length of their shift. For instance, employees working shifts exceeding six hours must be granted a 30-minute meal break.
• Age requirements: The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) mandates that Waiters and Waitresses must be at least 18 years old to work in the industry. However, some establishments may consider applicants aged 16 to 17 if they possess a valid work permit or equivalent documentation.
• Tips distribution: In establishments where tipping is permitted, tips rightfully belong to the employees who directly receive them. Employers are prohibited from claiming a portion of employees’ tips, except under specific circumstances outlined by law.
• Paid sick leave: Employees in New York City are entitled to accrue paid sick leave based on their hours worked.
• Protection against discrimination and harassment: Employees are safeguarded against discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability, under federal, state and city regulations.
• Workplace safety: Employers are obligated to maintain a safe work environment for their employees, which includes providing necessary safety training and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.