How much should I expect to make?

How much should I expect to make waiting tables?

• I know it's going to vary depending on tips, hours and which restraunt I work at, but can someone tell me approximately how much I'll be making a month. I'm wanting to work at Outback Steakhouse, Applebees, Olive Garden, or Red Lobster. The prices are going to be relatively low so I know I'm probably not going to be making much and I think I have to tip a certain ammount to greeters/bus boys, but approximately how much should I make a month after taxes? I'm wanting to work at least 4-5 days a week.

• Answer:

  I've always worked in Fine Dining, steakhouses & Italian places. I've kept track of my tips since 2006. In '09 I AVERAGED $86 a day in an AVERAGE 4 hour shift. In 2010 I averaged $78. (lunch shift). It went down a little because of the economy. The night girls averaged about $100-125 a night. I know one girl (single mom) who's rent was $700, and in winter, her gas bill was $200-400 a month. She struggled, but she made it. Yes, at a chain, the checks will be lower, but you will have a higher volume of people (wait on more tables) so it kinda balances out. This is the worst time of year to look for a job )-: I suggest you apply every where, and keep track of the days & where you applied. If you don't get a nibble, GO BACK to those places in 3-4 weeks and apply again. Repeat till you get hired. It takes a LOT of discipline to have cash (tips) in your pocket & not spend it. I know a girl who would go to the store for diapers and blow her whole wad. FOCUS ON THAT CAR. I bring my money home & stash it in a cup (!) and then throw it in the bank every chance I get. Also, get yourself a calendar & write down what you make every time you work. The $100 days are exciting, but the $20 days can suck at your soul. Seeing what you're making helps curb your impulse to spend. Do a weekly average, then a monthly one. In some restaurants, people "call off" a lot. Car broke down, sick, hungover. Make it known you will work for anyone, any time. I've worked at places where I was scheduled 1 or 2 days and end up working 6. No lie. Stay FOCUSED ON THAT CAR, and I think you'll be OK. Good Luck!! edit> I just did some quick math, and at $86 a day, 4 days, I would make $7,680 by the end of February, not including paychecks. That's only a 4 hour shift.