How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in Florida
Waiters and Waitresses in Florida earn a median salary of $29,580/year, which is 12% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately $739/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a waiters and waitresses can afford in Florida
Becoming a waiters and waitresses in Florida
Meet education requirements
Waiters and Waitresses positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many waiters and waitresses positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for waiters and waitressess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 208,920 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Naples-Marco Island and Jacksonville.
Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples-Marco Island | $31K | $14.87/hr | 6,690 |
| Jacksonville | $31K | $14.87/hr | 13,570 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $31K | $14.82/hr | 26,780 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $30K | $14.49/hr | 36,700 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $30K | $14.39/hr | 4,470 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $30K | $14.29/hr | 7,870 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $30K | $14.19/hr | 56,790 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $29K | $14.16/hr | 1,610 |
| Port St. Lucie | $29K | $14.13/hr | 4,240 |
| Punta Gorda | $29K | $14.1/hr | 1,750 |
| Wildwood-The Villages | $29K | $14.02/hr | 1,230 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $29K | $13.89/hr | 3,620 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $29K | $13.87/hr | 5,650 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $29K | $13.86/hr | 9,080 |
| Gainesville | $29K | $13.81/hr | 2,650 |
Waiters and Waitresses salary range in Florida
Waiters and Waitresses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a waiters and waitresses make in Florida?▼
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Florida is $29,580 per year ($14.22/hr). This is 12% below the national median of $33,760. Salaries range from $24,960 to $64,990.
What are the requirements to become a waiters and waitresses in Florida?▼
Waiters and Waitresses positions in Florida typically require No formal educational credential. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a waiters and waitresses afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $29,580, a waiters and waitresses in Florida would take home approximately $2,151/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 65.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for waiters and waitresses in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in Florida are Naples-Marco Island ($30,930), Jacksonville ($30,920), Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($30,820). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means waiters and waitresses keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.