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Food Service · Colorado

How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in Colorado

Waiters and Waitresses in Colorado earn a median salary of $44,860/year, which is 27% above the national average. Colorado has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately $1,773/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$45K
Median salary in Colorado
+27%
vs. national average
4.4%
State income tax
40,680
Employed in Colorado

What a waiters and waitresses can afford in Colorado

Gross annual salary$44,860
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.4% state tax)$3,009/mo
Median 2BR rent (Colorado)-$1,236/mo
Rent as % of take-home41.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,860/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,773/mo

Becoming a waiters and waitresses in Colorado

1

Meet education requirements

Waiters and Waitresses positions in Colorado typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Colorado. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many waiters and waitresses positions in Colorado require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Colorado licensure or certification

Colorado may require specific licensing or professional certification for waiters and waitressess. Requirements vary by state, contact the Colorado Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Colorado

Colorado employs 40,680 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Boulder and Fort Collins-Loveland.

Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in Colorado

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Boulder$50K$23.97/hr2,670
Fort Collins-Loveland$47K$22.77/hr2,740
Greeley$46K$22.35/hr1,300
Colorado Springs$46K$22.23/hr4,330
Pueblo$46K$21.87/hr850
Grand Junction$44K$21.03/hr1,020
Denver-Aurora-Centennial$40K$19.06/hr20,750

Waiters and Waitresses salary range in Colorado

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$33K
Median (50th)
$45K
75th percentile
$66K
90th percentile (senior)
$78K
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Waiters and Waitresses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a waiters and waitresses make in Colorado?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in Colorado is $44,860 per year ($21.57/hr). This is 27% above the national median of $35,230. Salaries range from $30,800 to $78,160.

What are the requirements to become a waiters and waitresses in Colorado?

Waiters and Waitresses positions in Colorado typically require No formal educational credential. Colorado may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Colorado licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a waiters and waitresses afford to live in Colorado?

At the median salary of $44,860, a waiters and waitresses in Colorado would take home approximately $3,009/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,236/month, that's 41.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for waiters and waitresses in Colorado?

The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in Colorado are Boulder ($49,870), Fort Collins-Loveland ($47,360), Greeley ($46,480). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Colorado have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $44,860 salary, this means roughly $1,974/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.