Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC, NY – November 2024 Job Listings
We selected some of the top Waiter/Waitress Jobs in New York City — complete with requirements, salary and benefits.
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Top 14 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in New York City
Pursuing a career as a Waiter or Waitress in New York City offers abundant opportunities due to the city’s vibrant dining scene and high earning potential. From upscale restaurants in Manhattan to trendy tap rooms and renowned hotels, NYC’s hospitality industry is thriving. Below are some of the top waitstaff positions available in the Big Apple right now.
Note: Salaries for Waiter/Waitress positions often depend on the experience level and may not always be explicitly stated in job ads.
How Many Waiters and Waitresses Are Currently Employed in NYC?
According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are over 136,960 waiters and waitresses employed in the New York-Newark-Jersey City area. This metropolitan region boasts the highest number of waitstaff in the United States, highlighting the vast opportunities available in NYC’s bustling dining and hospitality sectors. For aspiring servers, this means an unparalleled chance to secure positions in a variety of establishments, from elegant restaurants to luxurious hotels.
[Source: BLS]
How Much Can You Earn from Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC?
Waiters and waitresses in New York City earn an average of $24.45 per hour (base pay plus tips), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to an annual salary of approximately $49,795 for full-time positions. The high volume of patrons and the generous tipping culture in NYC’s restaurants, hotels, and tap rooms contribute to the substantial earning potential for servers in the city.
Tipping Trends for Waiters and Waitresses in NYC
In New York City, tips form a significant portion of a waiter or waitress’s income. Factors such as attentiveness, efficiency, and friendliness greatly influence the amount of tips received. It is customary for patrons to tip waitstaff between 15%–20% of the total bill, with 20% becoming the norm in many upscale restaurants and hotels across Manhattan and NYC. This trend enhances the earning potential for servers in the city’s dynamic dining scene.
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.
Paycheck Calculator
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.
If your gross pay is $84,000.00 per year in the state of New York, your net pay (or take home pay) will be $61,870.89 after tax deductions of 26.34% (or $22,129.11). Deductions include a total of [1] 13.39% (or $11,248.10) for the federal income tax, [2] 5.30% (or $4,455.01) for the state income tax, [3] 6.20% (or $5,208.00) for the social security tax and [4] 1.45% (or $1,218.00) for Medicare.
The Federal Income Tax is collected by the government and is consistent across all U.S. regions. In contrast, the State Income Tax is levied by the state of residence and work, leading to substantial variations. The Social Security Tax is used to fund Social Security, which benefits retirees, persons with disabilities and survivors of deceased workers. Medicare involves a federal payroll tax designated for the Medicare insurance program. As of 2022, Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not levy a state income tax.
Legal Requirements Applicable to Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC
In New York City, Waiters and Waitresses are protected by various labor laws and regulations. Some of the key legal requirements for Waiters and Waitresses in New York City include:
- Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in NYC is $16.00 per hour as of January 2024. Waitstaff must receive at least this amount through a combination of cash wages and tips.
- Tip Credits: Employers can apply a tip credit of $5.35, allowing them to pay a cash wage of $10.65 per hour to tipped servers, provided that tips make up the difference to reach the minimum wage.
- Breaks: Employees working more than six hours are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, ensuring adequate rest during shifts.
- Age Requirements: Individuals must be at least 16 years old to work as a waiter or waitress in NYC.
- Tip Pooling: While not mandatory, restaurants may implement tip pooling among front-of-house staff, including waiters, waitresses, busboys, and food runners.
- Paid Sick Leave: Employees accrue paid sick leave, allowing them to take time off for health without losing income.
Being aware of these regulations helps ensure fair treatment and compliance within NYC’s bustling dining establishments.
FAQs About Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC
Benefits offered to waitstaff vary depending on the employer. Some establishments may provide benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, employee discounts or meal allowances.
It’s advisable to inquire about benefits during the interview process to understand the specific offerings of each employer.
Many NYC restaurants offer training programs for new hires to familiarize them with the menu, service standards and restaurant procedures. Training may include shadowing experienced staff, role-playing scenarios and ongoing support to ensure success in the role.
To increase your chances of success, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences in your resume and during interviews. Mention skills like customer service, communication and multitasking.
Additionally, consider gaining certifications in food safety or alcohol service to stand out to potential employers.
How We Picked the Top 14 Waiter/Waitress Jobs in NYC
We selected the top 14 waiter and waitress positions in New York City based on the following criteria:
- Competitive Compensation: Jobs offering wages and tips that exceed the NYC average for waitstaff.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Positions that provide benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and retirement plans.
- Reputable Establishments: Opportunities within well-known restaurants, hotels, and dining venues recognized for excellence and employee satisfaction.
Our goal is to connect you with the best server roles in NYC’s thriving dining and hospitality industry, whether you’re looking to work in a chic Manhattan restaurant or a popular tap room in the heart of the city.
