Restaurant Wages Could Rise by Up to $3 per Hour Following Immigration Policy Changes, Says OysterLink

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Mar 25, 2025, 11:57 ET

MIAMI, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The restaurant industry could see significant wage increases as stricter immigration policies take effect, according to data compiled by OysterLink, a leading job platform for hospitality professionals. With potential mass deportations affecting undocumented workers, restaurant wages may rise by an average of $3 per hour, driving up annual salaries across the sector.

Key wage projections include:

Entry-level roles (Food Runners, Bussers, Dishwashers): $2 per hour increase (an additional $4,200–$5,000 per year)
Skilled kitchen roles (Sous Chefs, Pastry Chefs): $4 per hour increase (approximately $8,000 more per year)
Overall industry wages: Increase from $22 to $25 per hour on average, adding $6,537 annually to restaurant salaries

The American Immigration Council estimates that 1 in 14 hospitality workers may be at risk of deportation due to their undocumented status. Immigrants currently make up 22% of the food service workforce, with many filling essential back-of-house roles like Cooks, Dishwashers, and Bussers. Their absence could create widespread labor shortages, forcing restaurants to increase wages to attract new hires and retain existing staff.

Projected Wage Increases Amid Labor Shortages

Full-time native-born employees earn 14.4% more than their foreign-born counterparts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If labor shortages reduce the available workforce, wages—particularly for roles like Bartenders—could rise, closing the 14.4% wage gap and pushing salaries even higher.

To estimate potential wage increases due to these labor shortages, OysterLink applied a 14.4% wage adjustment to the current average pay of each role. The following table outlines estimated wage increases across key restaurant and hospitality positions:

Position	Average Annual Wage	Average Hourly Wage	Estimated Annual Wage Increase	Estimated Hourly Wage Increase
Baker	35,550	17	40,669	20
Barback	31,688	15	36,251	17
Barista	34,825	17	39,840	19
Bartender	37,090	18	42,431	20
Busser	30,040	14	34,366	17
Cashier	30,710	15	35,132	17
Chef	62,640	30	71,660	34
Concierge	40,230	19	46,023	22
Cook	36,060	17	41,253	20
Dishwasher	31,650	15	36,208	17
Event Coordinator	54,362	26	62,190	30
Event Manager	78,729	38	90,066	43
Event Planner	62,280	30	71,248	34
Fast-Food Worker	30,110	14	34,446	17
Fine Dining Server	56,584	27	64,732	31
Food Runner	29,691	14	33,967	16
Host/Hostess	30,750	15	35,178	17
Hotel Manager	76,790	37	87,848	42
Housekeeper	34,650	17	39,640	19
Kitchen Manager	56,460	27	64,590	31
Line Cook	33,829	16	38,700	19
Pastry Chef	54,995	26	62,914	30
Porter	36,100	17	41,298	20
Prep Cook	32,427	16	37,096	18
Private Chef	68,493	33	78,356	38
Receptionist	36,590	18	41,859	20
Restaurant Manager	69,580	33	79,600	38
Server	35,457	17	40,563	20
Sommelier	65,581	32	75,025	36
Sous Chef	56,013	27	64,079	31
Sushi Chef	58,909	28	67,392	32
Valet	32,700	16	37,409	18
Waiter	36,530	18	41,790	20

About OysterLink

OysterLink is a job platform dedicated to the restaurant and hospitality industry, providing career opportunities, market insights, and expert interviews. With over 340,000 monthly visitors and growing, OysterLink helps professionals navigate industry trends and connect with top employers.

For more information or to post a job, visit OysterLink or contact PR Representative Ana at [email protected].

SOURCE OysterLink