Cashiers in Houston typically earn around $14 per hour on average. While this base wage may seem modest, many Cashiers in restaurants have opportunities to increase their earnings especially in establishments where tips are shared or where commissions on sales may add to their income.
In Houston, tips and additional earnings for Cashiers can range from an extra $2 to $8 per hour depending on the restaurant and the type of clientele. This article explores which restaurants offer the best pay for Cashiers and how various factors affect their overall earnings.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in Houston, TX- 1. Underbelly
- 2. Hugo's
- 3. Killen's Barbecue
- 4. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 5. Common Bond Bistro & Bakery
- 6. Brennan's of Houston
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in Houston
- What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in Houston in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Houston?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Houston Cashier Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in Houston, TX
Houston’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, combining casual eateries with upscale dining all offering unique opportunities for Cashiers. Many of the top-paying spots blend competitive wages with potential tip sharing or bonuses from high-volume sales.
Consider these well-known Houston restaurants where Cashiers often find some of the best compensation packages:
1. Underbelly
Underbelly is famous for its dedication to showcasing Houston’s cultural diversity through locally sourced ingredients. Cashiers here benefit from working in a renowned spot that draws a steady flow of diners and often rewards staff with performance bonuses.
2. Hugo's
Hugo’s offers authentic Mexican cuisine in an upscale environment. Located in a popular neighborhood, the restaurant supports competitive wages for its front-of-house staff including Cashiers often augmented by tip pools.
3. Killen's Barbecue
Known for its classic Texas barbecue, Killen’s is a local favorite and tourist destination. Cashiers enjoy consistent high customer traffic and sometimes profit sharing in tips during peak times.
4. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
As part of a popular chain, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen’s Houston locations offer stable employment opportunities with decent hourly wages and potential for tips especially in busy dining periods.
5. Common Bond Bistro & Bakery
Common Bond is celebrated for artisan baked goods and upscale casual dining. Employees including Cashiers benefit from competitive pay and the chance to earn tips during busy breakfast and lunch hours.
6. Brennan's of Houston
Brennan’s is an iconic spot serving upscale Creole cuisine in a charming setting. Cashiers here often earn a higher hourly wage and have access to tip sharing in this fine dining atmosphere.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings
The kind of restaurant where you work significantly influences both your hourly wage and your potential to earn tips or bonuses as a Cashier. Generally, upscale or specialty restaurants tend to pay higher wages and offer more opportunities for additional income.
Casual restaurants and fast food chains may provide consistent hours but the tipping potential is often lower or non-existent, meaning Cashiers primarily rely on their hourly rate. Conversely, fine dining and busy mid-to-upscale establishments usually retain a tipping culture that can increase Cashiers’ total earnings.
- Casual/Fast Food: Usually pay closer to minimum wage with limited tip opportunities resulting in an additional $0-$2 per hour on average.
- Upscale Restaurants & Specialty Eateries: These establishments often pay $15+ per hour and may provide an additional $4-$8 per hour in tips or bonuses.
- Location Factors: Restaurants located in affluent neighborhoods or high-traffic tourist areas often have higher check averages leading to more tipping opportunities for Cashiers.
In many Houston eateries, being reliable, courteous, and efficient at checkout can sometimes translate into tip sharing or higher bonus payouts depending on management policies.
How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in Houston
Target Upscale and Specialty Restaurants
Focus your job search on restaurants known for quality menus and higher price points as these venues often pay better and offer tip sharing or bonuses.
Refine Your Resume and Customer Service Skills
Highlight any prior Hospitality, retail, or Customer Service experience on your resume. Being personable and efficient is a big plus for hiring managers seeking top-tier Cashiers.
Use Networking and Local Job Boards
Engage with local Hospitality groups, attend job fairs, and apply through Houston-based job platforms to connect directly with restaurant owners and managers.
Prepare for In-Person Visits and Interviews
Dress appropriately and practice common interview questions. Show enthusiasm and be ready to speak about your ability to handle cash transactions accurately and provide great Customer Service.
What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in Houston in 2025 and Beyond?
The future for Cashier positions in Houston looks stable with modest growth expected through 2025. With Houston’s expanding dining scene and population growth, demand for Cashiers remains steady.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Cashier roles nationwide are projected to experience a slight decline overall, but Houston’s varied restaurant market may offset this trend with new venues opening and labor turnover creating openings regularly.
Additionally, the integration of technology and self-checkout systems might impact Cashier job availability, but establishments focusing on personalized Customer Experience, particularly in full-service restaurants, will continue to need reliable Cashiers.
Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Houston?
With an average hourly wage of about $14 plus tips or bonuses that can raise earnings by an additional $2 to $8 per hour, a Houston restaurant Cashier can earn between roughly $34,000 and $47,000 annually before taxes based on full-time hours.
Houston’s cost of living is generally moderate compared to other major U.S. cities, which can make these earnings sufficient to live comfortably.
- Average Rent (1-bedroom, city center): $1,200 - $1,400
- Utilities: Around $150 monthly
- Groceries: Approximately $300 - $400 monthly for a single adult
- Transportation: Public transit or gas averages $100 - $150 per month
Those Cashiers who maximize tips and work in higher-paying establishments can cover these expenses and potentially save or enjoy discretionary spending, making the role a viable option for living well in Houston.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Houston Cashier Jobs
We selected these restaurants based on multiple important factors including competitive base hourly rates, opportunities for tip sharing, positive employee reviews and strong reputations within Houston’s culinary community.
Additionally, we considered locations in popular and affluent neighborhoods which often reflect a higher earning potential for Cashiers due to elevated customer spending.
The restaurants chosen also frequently post available positions on prominent job boards and maintain a solid staff retention rate, indicating a healthy workplace culture and benefits that complement pay.
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