Home Spotlight Restaurant Wages Could Rise by Up to $3 per Hour Following Immigration Policy Changes

Restaurant Wages Could Rise by Up to $3 per Hour Following Immigration Policy Changes

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MIAMI, FL – The restaurant industry could see significant wage increases as stricter immigration policies take effect, according to data compiled by OysterLink, a leading job platform for hospitality professionals. With potential mass deportations affecting undocumented workers, restaurant wages may rise by an average of $3 per hour, driving up annual salaries across the sector.

Key wage projections include:

  • Entry-level roles (Food Runners, Bussers, Dishwashers): $2 per hour increase (an additional $4,200–$5,000 per year)
  • Skilled kitchen roles (Sous Chefs, Pastry Chefs): $4 per hour increase (approximately $8,000 more per year)
  • Overall industry wages: Increase from $22 to $25 per hour on average, adding $6,537 annually to restaurant salaries

The American Immigration Council estimates that 1 in 14 hospitality workers may be at risk of deportation due to their undocumented status. Immigrants currently make up 22% of the food service workforce, with many filling essential back-of-house roles like Cooks, Dishwashers, and Bussers. Their absence could create widespread labor shortages, forcing restaurants to increase wages to attract new hires and retain existing staff.

Projected Wage Increases Amid Labor Shortages

Full-time native-born employees earn 14.4% more than their foreign-born counterparts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If labor shortages reduce the available workforce, wages — particularly for roles like Bartenders — could rise, closing the 14.4% wage gap and pushing salaries even higher.

Annual Wage and Estimated Wage Increase Amid Immigration Changes

To estimate potential wage increases due to these labor shortages, OysterLink applied a 14.4% wage adjustment to the current average pay of each role. The following table outlines estimated wage increases across key restaurant and hospitality positions:

PositionAverage Annual WageAverage Hourly WageEstimated Annual Wage IncreaseEstimated Hourly Wage Increase
Baker35,5501740,66920
Barback31,6881536,25117
Barista34,8251739,84019
Bartender37,0901842,43120
Busser30,0401434,36617
Cashier30,7101535,13217
Chef62,6403071,66034
Concierge40,2301946,02322
Cook36,0601741,25320
Dishwasher31,6501536,20817
Event Coordinator54,3622662,19030
Event Manager78,7293890,06643
Event Planner62,2803071,24834
Fast-Food Worker30,1101434,44617
Fine Dining Server56,5842764,73231
Food Runner29,6911433,96716
Host/Hostess30,7501535,17817
Hotel Manager76,7903787,84842
Housekeeper34,6501739,64019
Kitchen Manager56,4602764,59031
Line Cook33,8291638,70019
Pastry Chef54,9952662,91430
Porter36,1001741,29820
Prep Cook32,4271637,09618
Private Chef68,4933378,35638
Receptionist36,5901841,85920
Restaurant Manager69,5803379,60038
Server35,4571740,56320
Sommelier65,5813275,02536
Sous Chef56,0132764,07931
Sushi Chef58,9092867,39232
Valet32,7001637,40918
Waiter36,5301841,79020

About OysterLink

OysterLink is a job platform dedicated to the restaurant and hospitality industry, providing career opportunities, market insights, and expert interviews. With over 340,000 monthly visitors and growing, OysterLink helps professionals navigate industry trends and connect with top employers.

For more information or to post a job, visit OysterLink or contact PR Representative Ana at ana@oysterlink.com.

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