Tipped Minimum Wage (Federal & Utah)
- Cash wage: $2.13/hr (federal) – Utah follows federal.
- Tip credit: Employer must ensure tips bring total to ≥ $7.25/hr (federal minimum). If not, employer pays difference.
Typical Hourly Rates (Including Tips)
| Position | Base Cash Wage | Typical Total (w/ tips) |
|---|
| Server | $2.13 | $15–$30+/hr |
| Bartender | $2.13 | $20–$40+/hr |
| Barback | $7.25–$10 | $12–$18/hr |
| Food Runner | $7.25–$10 | $12–$18/hr |
| Host/Hostess | $7.25–$12 | $10–$16/hr |
| Line Cook | $14–$22 | N/A (non-tipped) |
| Dishwasher | $12–$16 | N/A |
Utah-Specific Rules
- Auto-gratuity: Allowed for large parties (typically 18–20%); counts as tip.
- Takeout fee: Utah law permits mandatory takeout fee (≥5% subtotal) if no gratuity charged.
- Tip pooling: Allowed among customarily tipped employees (servers, bartenders, bussers); not managers/owners.
Check Utah Labor Commission for updates. Many restaurants pay above minimum.
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