How much on a average does a waitress/waiter and a bartender make.?
Asked by CARLA B
I am opening a bar and grill in St. Petersburg, FL and I would like to know how much should we pay a waiter/waitress and the bartender. I know their pay is really tips but how much as an employee? Also, if you live in the area and looking for employment and you have experience please let me know @ hurricanesbg@yahoo.com

Best Answer:
Pay them legal minimum for food service in your State. Your bartender should be you, or someone else connected to the future success of your establishment. A bad barman can kill your business in a matter of weeks.

I live in Tennessee and here the pay for an hour is 2.13 and I'm pretty sure that's the whole country but you might want to check it out before hand but yeah here it's 2.13 an hour!!!
Answered by Leslie W

It depends on the state, in some states they get paid minimum wage(whatever that may be where you live)but in others they apply your estimated tips towards your wage and they usually get somewhere between 2-3 an hour.I think its b.s. personally because sometimes you get taxed on tips you didnt even earn.
Answered by LADY LUCK

You're opening a business and you don't understand your state's labor laws?! My advice is not to throw away your money in a very risky line of business you know very little about!
Answered by Kelly M

You should keep to the legal Min wage in your state. (Like in California I get paid 8.00 $ a hour for working as a waitress) Some bartenders get paid more out here, and some min. It might depend on where you live more then anything else. Scout about and check how things are.
Answered by Kurai T