What Restaurants Do Cashiers Make the Most Money at in New York City, NY?

Cashiers in New York City earn an average hourly wage of about $17 per hour. However, the actual pay can vary widely depending on the restaurant’s location, style and clientele. On top of their base hourly wage, Cashiers in many establishments have opportunities to earn additional income through tips, especially in busy or upscale spots.

If you want to know which restaurants in New York City pay Cashiers the best and the factors that influence salary, this article will guide you. We'll explore some of the top restaurants for Cashier positions and explain how tips and other factors can significantly boost overall earnings.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in New York City

New York City’s dynamic food scene offers numerous opportunities for Cashiers to earn competitive wages. From iconic delis to bustling food markets, these spots often combine decent base pay with tip pools or bonuses in some cases.

Here are some top-paying restaurants and food establishments for Cashier jobs in New York City:

1. Katz's Delicatessen

Famous worldwide for its classic pastrami sandwiches and unforgettable history, Katz's Delicatessen provides a high-volume environment where Cashiers can benefit from busy shifts and strong tips from appreciative customers.

2. Shake Shack - Madison Square Park

This flagship location of Shake Shack attracts large crowds daily. Cashiers here experience steady work with opportunities for bonuses during peak hours, thanks to high customer traffic and frequent group orders.

3. Momofuku Noodle Bar

Part of David Chang’s acclaimed restaurant group, this noodle bar combines an upscale fast-casual approach where Cashiers are part of a fast-moving but quality-minded service team, with competitive pay and occasional tip pooling.

4. Eataly NYC Downtown

A high-end Italian market and eatery, Eataly offers Cashier roles that come with a great mix of base salary and the chance to earn tips, especially on busy weekends and holidays when tourists and locals flood the venue.

5. Magnolia Bakery

Well-known for its delicious cupcakes and sweet treats, Magnolia Bakery attracts loyal customers who often leave generous tips for friendly and efficient Cashiers, particularly at its flagship locations.

6. Blue Bottle Coffee

This popular specialty coffee retailer’s NYC locations provide Cashiers with stable hourly pay and opportunities for extra income through tips, boosted by the shop's devoted customer base and busy morning foot traffic.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings

The type of restaurant or food establishment greatly influences Cashier earnings in New York City. Upscale or specialty venues often offer higher starting salaries and more generous tip opportunities compared to casual or fast-food outlets.

The establishment's location, clientele and level of service also affect pay. Here are a few ways restaurant types impact earnings:

• Upscale restaurants and markets: These tend to pay higher base wages and usually have tip pools benefiting Cashiers, especially in venues with a strong in-person payment culture.
• Casual dining and fast-food chains: Such places typically offer lower base wages, but fast service and high volume may improve overall earnings via bonuses or tips in select locations.
• Certificates and skills: Cashiers with additional skills like handling POS systems efficiently or multilingual abilities may negotiate better pay in busy NYC restaurants.

In casual restaurants and cafes, tips might add anywhere from $2 to $5 per hour, whereas in upscale NYC eateries or specialty food markets, Cashiers can occasionally receive tips around $10 to $20 per hour or more during peak shifts.

How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in New York City

Target the Right Neighborhoods

Focus your job search in affluent neighborhoods and tourist-heavy areas like Midtown Manhattan, SoHo and the Financial District, where restaurants tend to pay more due to higher customer spending.

Build a Strong Application

Craft a clear and professional resume highlighting your experience with POS systems, customer service skills and ability to handle busy environments. Include any relevant certifications and emphasize reliability.

Network Within the Industry

Attend local hospitality job fairs and visit restaurants in person during off-peak hours to introduce yourself directly to hiring managers, improving your chances of standing out from online applicants.

Leverage Online Job Portals

Use popular hospitality job websites and apps that frequently list open Cashier roles in top NYC restaurants to quickly identify openings and apply early.

Prepare for Interviews

Research the restaurant’s brand, menu and customer base ahead of time. Be ready to discuss how you handle busy situations and maintain accuracy under pressure.

What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in New York City in 2025 and Beyond?

According to labor market forecasts, Cashier positions in New York City are expected to remain steady with slight growth through 2025 and beyond. The city’s constant culinary innovation and high volume of restaurants keep demand for front-of-house roles consistent.

Emerging technologies introducing self-checkout and automation may shift Cashier job dynamics, but many restaurants will continue valuing human Cashiers for customer interaction and service quality.

Additionally, districts with expanding residential and commercial development like Hudson Yards and Brooklyn’s DUMBO are likely to see increasing demand for Cashier roles in new food establishments opening in the area.

Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in New York City?

A Cashier earning $17 per hour working full time can expect an annual base income of about $35,000 before taxes. With tips, this could realistically increase to between $40,000 and $45,000 or more, depending on the venue.

However, New York City has a very high cost of living. Average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan are around $3,000, with utilities and transportation adding roughly another $400 per month.

Groceries and dining out typically cost between $300 and $600 per month. While a Cashier’s combined base pay and tips might cover essential expenses, budgeting carefully and potentially sharing housing are common for living comfortably.

Many Cashiers supplement their income with additional shifts, side jobs or move to less expensive boroughs to improve financial stability.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying New York City Cashier Jobs

We selected these restaurants and food establishments based on a blend of paying well, offering consistent shifts and providing a positive working environment to support Cashiers.

Key factors we considered included:

• Competitive hourly wages: Higher than average city rates combined with tipping potential
• Work environment: Places known for respectful management and good staffing levels
• Location: Proximity to areas with higher customer spending
• Employee benefits: Opportunities for bonuses, tips and employee perks

These aspects help ensure Cashiers can achieve a sustainable income with room for growth in New York City’s fast-moving hospitality landscape.