Denny's Employee Compensation in 2018: An Analysis Across Various Locations

When it comes to determining employee compensation at Denny's, a number of factors come into play. In this article, we will delve into the differences across states and within the front and back of the house, based on a review of information available for the year 2018.

Front of the House Compensation

The front of the house at Denny's typically includes positions such as servers and bar staff, who are often referred to as tipped employees. As a result, their wage is based on the state mandated "tipped employee" wage, which can vary significantly from one state to another. For instance, in Indiana, the tipped minimum wage is $2.17 per hour, while in Illinois, it is $4.25 per hour. However, employers are not legally obligated to pay the tipped employee minimum wage in most states. The actual income for tipped employees can vary greatly, depending on the number of tips collected, and this number can fluctuate widely depending on the day and shift.

For those employees who have been certified as trainers or hold a premium service position, they may be paid a higher wage. Consequently, it is important for job seekers to focus on these specialized roles for potentially higher pay.

Back of the House Compensation

The back of the house includes cooks and various other kitchen staff positions. These employees typically earn a competitive wage for the area, and it's not uncommon for their pay to be at least 2 to 5 dollars higher than the minimum wage. Additionally, employees in these roles might receive regular raises and paid vacation if they remain with the company for a certain period of time.

Regional Variations

Honolulu, Hawaii

In Honolulu, Hawaii, the minimum wage is set at $10.10 per hour. However, for tipped employees, such as waiters and waitresses, the state allows a tip credit, meaning their wage can be lower: typically the minimum wage minus $0.75 per hour. As this is a corporate restaurant, any raises are not provided, as per the standards of the corporate structure.

Texas

In Texas, where most Denny's locations are franchises of DenTex, the wage starts at the minimum wage, and raises are minimal following training. It's important for potential employees to be prepared for the entry-level wage and lower growth in earnings.

Washington State

Across Washington State, the minimum wage is set at $11.50 per hour as of 2018. The exact wage for different roles within the restaurant can vary, with some positions potentially eligible for raises based on the title and responsibility level.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Denny's employee compensation can vary significantly by state, with tipped employees and roles in the front of the house often earning state-mandated minimum amounts, while back of the house staff typically earn more and may see regular wage increases. Job seekers should research local laws and corporate structures to understand the full scope of potential earnings and benefits.

Keywords

Denny's wages, tipped employees, minimum wage, restaurant compensation, employee benefits