What Restaurants Do Waitresses Make the Most Money at in Collingswood, NJ?

The average hourly wage for Waitresses in Collingswood is around $15 per hour, but this doesn't paint the full picture of their earning potential. Tips can significantly increase income, with Waitresses in smaller cities typically earning an additional $5 to $12 per hour from gratuities alone.

This article explores which restaurants in Collingswood offer the best pay for Waitresses and how various factors like restaurant type and location influence total earnings. We'll also share tips on how to secure the highest paying Waitress positions and what the economic outlook looks like for this role in the coming years.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Waitresses in Collingswood, NJ

Collingswood boasts a range of dining establishments from cozy local diners to upscale bistros, each offering different earning opportunities for Waitresses. Those seeking higher pay often find it in restaurants with more upscale menus or steady high customer volumes.

Consider these popular spots known for good Waitress compensation:

1. The Pop Shop

Renowned for its nostalgic diner vibe and extensive gourmet milkshake menu, The Pop Shop delivers a fun atmosphere with consistent crowds. The high volume and enthusiastic clientele offer Waitresses numerous tipping opportunities alongside competitive base pay.

2. Taproom on the Ave

This local brewery and gastropub is celebrated for its craft beer selection and imaginative American dishes. Waitresses here benefit from a lively bar scene with substantial tips, especially during weekend rushes and events.

3. Bishop's Collar

A quaint eatery known for its eclectic menu and warm service, Bishop's Collar offers a relaxed ambiance but with steady patronage from both locals and visitors. This spot often provides competitive wages and solid tip earnings.

4. Kinfolk

Kinfolk is an upscale, modern restaurant focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The sophisticated clientele and higher price points mean Waitresses often earn a higher hourly wage plus generous tips.

5. Portside Bistro

Known for its seafood specialties and waterfront setting, Portside Bistro attracts both locals and tourists. The combination of quality dining and steady traffic provides good base wages alongside the potential for above-average tipping.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Waitress Earnings

The type of restaurant where a Waitress works heavily influences her earnings. Upscale establishments tend to offer higher base pay and greater tipping potential compared to casual dining venues. Here’s how different factors play a role:

• Upscale vs. Casual: Upscale restaurants like Kinfolk and Portside Bistro typically have higher price points which translate into larger tips and often better hourly wages.
• Location: Restaurants located in busier or tourist-frequented areas may see heavier patronage, increasing tip volume.
• Certifications and Experience: Waitresses with food safety certifications, wine knowledge or fine dining experience can command better pay.

In casual venues or local diners, the base wage may be slightly lower, but reliable volume and consistent hours offer steady tip income. Here, tips range between $5 and $10 per hour. At higher-end restaurants, tips may rise to $15 to $25 or more per hour especially during peak service times and busy weekends.

How To Find a High Paying Waitress Job in Collingswood

Research and Target High-Paying Establishments

Focus your job search on restaurants known for upscale service and higher check averages. Investigate the dining scene in Collingswood and identify venues with good reputations and strong patronage.

Polish Your Resume and Highlight Relevant Skills

Showcase prior experience, especially in fine dining or busy environments, and emphasize certifications such as food handler’s permits or alcohol server training.

Network within the Local Hospitality Community

Attend industry events or join local hospitality groups — many Waitress positions are filled through referrals and word-of-mouth.

Perform Well in Interviews and Trials

Demonstrate not only your service skills but your enthusiasm and knowledge of the menu. Being personable and showing a strong work ethic can distinguish you from other candidates.

What’s the Outlook for Waitress Jobs in Collingswood in 2025 and Beyond?

The hospitality industry in Collingswood is growing steadily, driven by increasing local dining demand and tourism. Waitress roles are projected to remain in demand through the mid-2020s.

According to labor market insights, opportunities in waitressing within small to mid-sized towns like Collingswood are expected to grow modestly as new restaurants open and existing establishments expand service hours. The recovery of in-person dining post-pandemic continues to positively influence job availability.

Employment growth is also being shaped by trends favoring casual upscale dining and gastropubs, which offer better earning potential for Waitresses willing to develop refined service skills.

Is a Waitress’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Collingswood?

A Waitress in Collingswood typically earns around $15 per hour base pay, with total compensation boosted by tips, which can add another $5 to $12 per hour. This leads to an estimated annual income in the range of $28,000 to $38,000, assuming full-time work and typical tipping patterns.

However, living costs in Collingswood are relatively moderate. For example:

• Average Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment): Approximately $1,200 - $1,400 per month
• Utilities: Around $150 per month
• Groceries and Essentials: Approximately $350 - $450 per month

For many Waitresses in Collingswood, especially those working consistent shifts at well-paying venues, earnings are sufficient to cover living expenses and have discretionary income. Effective budgeting and steady hours are key to maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Collingswood Waitress Jobs

To curate this list, we analyzed various factors impacting Waitress earnings in Collingswood, prioritizing restaurants that offer competitive base wages coupled with a strong tipping environment.

Factors considered include:

• Location: Proximity to busy districts or popular dining areas
• Reputation: Established venues with positive reviews and stable customer bases
• Employee Benefits: Some restaurants offer perks such as flexible scheduling or health benefits
• Work Environment: Friendly management and supportive team culture boost employee satisfaction and earnings potential

These criteria combine to highlight workplaces where Waitresses not only earn well but enjoy sustainable and fulfilling careers.