Waiter and Waitress Salary in the United States
Based on 2.3M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$33,965
$16.33/hr
Salary Range
$24K – $63K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
2.3M
workers nationwide
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in the United States is $33,965 annually, which equates to roughly $16 per hour. This figure reflects the earnings of over 2.2 million individuals employed in this vital service role across the country, highlighting its significant presence in the American workforce.
Several factors influence a Waiter and Waitress salary in the United States. These include geographic location, with states like Hawaii offering significantly higher compensation ($62,390), as well as the type of establishment, experience level, and the potential for tips, which can greatly augment base pay within the $24,230 to $62,593 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,230 |
| 25th percentile | $26,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $33,965 |
| 75th percentile | $46,785 |
| 90th percentile | $62,593 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Waiter and Waitress
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $62,390 | +83.7% | 14K |
| 2 | Vermont | $59,140 | +74.1% | 4K |
| 3 | Washington | $56,130 | +65.3% | 45K |
| 4 | Oregon | $48,410 | +42.5% | 23K |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $47,850 | +40.9% | 12K |
| 6 | New York | $47,020 | +38.4% | 143K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $44,960 | +32.4% | 56K |
| 8 | Colorado | $44,860 | +32.1% | 41K |
| 9 | Virginia | $44,760 | +31.8% | 59K |
| 10 | Arizona | $43,950 | +29.4% | 56K |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Industry
How much Waiter and Waitresss earn across industries nationwide — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services pays the most ($79,660 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | +134.5% | — |
| 2 | Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | +9.2% | 16K |
| 3 | Educational Services | $36,680 | +8.0% | 780 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $36,380 | +7.1% | 18K |
| 5 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | +6.3% | 6K |
| 6 | Accommodation and Food Services | $35,240 | +3.8% | 2.1M |
| 7 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $35,190 | +3.6% | 98K |
| 8 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $34,480 | +1.5% | 12K |
| 9 | Transportation and Warehousing | $34,320 | +1.0% | 810 |
| 10 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $34,170 | +0.6% | 16K |
| 11 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $33,840 | -0.4% | 830 |
| 12 | Information | $33,130 | -2.5% | 5K |
| 13 | Retail Trade | $30,920 | -9.0% | 7K |
| 14 | Construction | $30,890 | -9.1% | 40 |
| 15 | Wholesale Trade | $30,790 | -9.3% | 520 |
| 16 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $28,640 | -15.7% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,984 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $26,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $33,965 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,785 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,593 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in the US?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in the United States is $33,965 per year, or approximately $16 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter and Waitress?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in the US typically falls between $24,230 and $62,593 annually. This variation is influenced by many factors, including location and experience.
Which state pays the most for Waiters and Waitresses?
- Hawaii is the top-paying state for Waiters and Waitresses, with an average salary of $62,390 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in the US?
- There are a substantial number of Waiters and Waitresses employed in the United States, totaling approximately 2,270,900 individuals. This indicates a large and active job market for this role.