The average hourly wage for Cashiers in Detroit is around $14 per hour, which aligns with the city's competitive labor market in food service. However, Cashiers usually make a significant portion of their income from hourly wages rather than tips, although some roles, especially in higher-end or busy establishments, offer tipping opportunities that can add $2 to $5 per hour or more.
If you’re wondering “What restaurants do Cashiers make the most money at in Detroit?” — this article will walk you through some of the top-paying restaurants and chains where Cashiers earn well. We'll also explain how the type of restaurant, location, and additional factors influence overall earnings, including tips, bonuses and benefits.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in Detroit, MI
Detroit offers a range of eateries with varying pay scales for Cashiers. Those who work in larger, busier or more upscale establishments tend to bring home higher hourly wages, with some opportunities for tips or bonuses.
Below are some highly regarded restaurants where Cashiers may find top pay in Detroit:
1. Selden Standard
Selden Standard is a trendy spot in Midtown Detroit known for its seasonal small plates and craft cocktails. Cashiers here benefit from the busy, upscale crowd and often receive competitive hourly pay plus occasional service incentives.
2. The Hudson Cafe
A favorite for breakfast and brunch, The Hudson Cafe attracts steady clientele throughout the day. Cashiers earn solid base wages and sometimes share in tips generated during peak mealtimes.
3. Slow's Bar BQ
Famous for Detroit-style BBQ, Slow’s Bar BQ is a high-volume, popular spot where Cashiers can find great hourly wages. Consistent crowds help ensure reliable earning potential and occasional tips during busy shifts.
4. Buddy's Pizza
As a signature Detroit pizza chain, Buddy’s combines fast-paced service with a loyal customer base. Cashiers working here often enjoy competitive hourly rates along with tip pooling opportunities.
5. Detroit Vegan Soul
Detroit Vegan Soul offers popular Southern-style vegan food in a casual environment. Cashiers here earn decent hourly pay with added chances at tips, especially during busier weekend hours.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings in Detroit
The type of restaurant has a significant effect on Cashier earnings in Detroit. Casual diners, fast food chains and large-scale restaurants often provide standard hourly wages with limited sizable tipping opportunities. On the other hand, Cashiers in boutique cafes, upscale establishments or busy brunch spots may enjoy additional income from tips or shared service pools.
Certification or experience can also influence earnings: many higher-end places look for Cashiers with strong customer service skills or familiarity with point-of-sale systems, leading to higher pay.
Here’s a general overview of typical earnings based on restaurant type:
- Casual and Fast Food: Base hourly wages from $12 to $14 with minimal to no tipping
- Mid-tier Casual and Diners: Hourly pay around $13 to $15 plus modest tips between $1 to $3 per hour
- Upscale and Specialty Restaurants: Higher hourly wage ranging $14 to $18 with tipping potential of $3 to $5 per hour or more
How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in Detroit
Network within Detroit’s Food Service Community
Connecting with current or former employees can reveal insider tips about which restaurants offer the best pay and potential for growth. Networking increases your chances of hearing about or securing jobs with better compensation packages.
Build Strong Customer Service and Technical Skills
Demonstrating knowledge of point-of-sale systems and a welcoming demeanor can set you apart from other applicants, qualifying you for openings in higher-end restaurants that pay more.
Focus on Upscale or Busy Establishments
Target restaurants in affluent neighborhoods or popular dining districts where customer traffic tends to support higher wages and tipping opportunities. These venues are often on the lookout for dependable Cashiers who can handle fast-paced service.
Polish Your Application Materials
Ensure your resume highlights any prior Cashier experience, customer service excellence and dependability. Tailor your cover letter to speak to the specific restaurant’s style and clientele.
What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in Detroit in 2025 and Beyond?
As Detroit's economy continues to diversify and its food scene grows, the demand for Cashiers in food service is expected to remain stable or gently increase through 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Cashier positions nationwide face slight declines due to automation but cities with robust hospitality sectors like Detroit often see steady hiring to meet fluctuating customer demands.
Factors supporting Cashier job availability in Detroit include the expansion of fast-casual dining, increased foot traffic in dining districts such as Midtown and Corktown, and a trend toward new culinary ventures.
However, Cashiers with tech-savvy skills and flexibility stand the best chance to thrive, as employers look for individuals capable of adapting to emerging POS technology and fast service environments.
Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Detroit?
Cashiers in Detroit typically earn about $14 per hour, with occasional tips or bonuses pushing the overall hourly earnings closer to $16 to $19 per hour in favorable roles. Assuming a 40-hour workweek, annual earnings range from approximately $29,000 to $40,000 before taxes.
Compared to Detroit’s living costs, this salary can stretch reasonably for a single adult. Average monthly expenses include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $900 - $1,100
- Utilities: $150 - $200
- Groceries: $250 - $350
- Transportation (public transit or gas): $80 - $150
While the base salary may be modest, working at higher-paying restaurants or those that allow tipping can noticeably improve take-home pay, making it easier to cover monthly expenses and enjoy some discretionary spending.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Detroit Cashier Jobs
We based our selections on comprehensive pay data, job listings and employee reviews to identify restaurants where Cashiers earn competitive hourly wages. Considerations included:
- Fair and Transparent Compensation: Restaurants with clear hourly rates and tipping policies that reward employees
- Location: Venues situated in high-traffic or affluent areas of Detroit, which typically offer better earning potential
- Work Environment and Benefits: Employers with reputations for supportive management, flexible hours and employee benefits where applicable
These factors combine to create job options that not only pay well but also encourage sustained employment and growth within Detroit's hospitality industry.