Minimum Wage for a Waitress (Arizona)

Effective January 1, 2007, Arizona’s minimum wage was increased to $6.75 per hour. The minimum wage will be increased again on January 1, 2008, and increased annually every successive January 1st by the increase in the cost of living.

It should be noted, however, that per the Arizona Minimum Wage Act, a waitress is considered a tipped employee (i.e. an employee who costumarily and regularly receives tips or gratuities), and therefore an employer may pay a wage up to $3.00 per hour less than the minimum wage. If, however, an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages do not equal the Arizona minimum hourly wage, then the employer must make up the difference.