They also may work weekends and holidays. Hazards include back strain from lifting, burns from hot plates, and environmental conditions. Some waiters and waitresses wear uniforms. They may belong to the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. Tips have not been included in wage amounts.
Wages vary considerably with level of training, experience and location.
Entry level wages may be lower. For most workers, high earnings are the result of receiving more in tips rather than a higher hourly wage. Tips range from 10 to 20 percent of the check. Thus waiters and waitresses who work in busy, expensive restaurants earn the most. In some restaurants, waiters and waitresses contribute a portion of their tips to a tip pool.