Most waiters and bartenders are paid $2.13/hour, plus tips.  As stated in the previous section (Introduction), your employer is permitted to pay you as little as $2.13/hour - but only if they comply with the requirements of the tip pool laws.  If they comply with these laws, then they are permitted to take a "tip credit" against their minimum wage obligations.

The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25/hour.  If your employer complies with the tip pool laws and pays you $2.13/hour, they may claim a "tip credit" for the difference between the full statutory minimum wage ($7.25) and the wage you are paid ($2.13), or $5.12. 

If they violate the tip pool laws, however, they will forfeit the tip credit and will owe you $5.12/hour for each and every hour that you worked in the last 2-3 years. 

Check out my videos for more information.  Or submit a confidential claim form here. 

Introduction to Attorney Bob Debes and Debes Law Firm Tip Pool Legal Services.