Waiter and Waitress Salary in Alaska
Based on 4K+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$26,310
$12.65/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-22.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$25K – $64K
4K employed in Alaska
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Alaska is $26,310 annually, which translates to approximately $13 per hour. This figure is 22.5% lower than the national average for this profession. With a total of 3,830 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant segment of the service industry.
Several factors can influence the actual Waiter and Waitress salary in Alaska. These include the specific city or region within Alaska where one works, the type and size of the establishment (e.g., fine dining versus a casual cafe), and the employee's level of experience and any additional responsibilities. Tips also play a crucial role in the overall earning potential for these positions.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,770 |
| 25th percentile | $25,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $26,310 |
| 75th percentile | $29,540 |
| 90th percentile | $64,080 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $26,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $27,099 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $26,310 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $27,099 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $25,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $26,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $29,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,080 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Waiter and Waitress ($26,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in AK | $40,140 | +52.6% | $19.30/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in AK | $33,280 | +26.5% | $16.00/hr |
| Cashier in AK | $36,130 | +37.3% | $17.37/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in AK | $37,290 | +41.7% | $17.93/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in AK | $39,740 | +51.0% | $19.11/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in AK | $40,310 | +53.2% | $19.38/hr |
| Receptionist in AK | $44,720 | +70.0% | $21.50/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AK | $45,150 | +71.6% | $21.71/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AK | $46,370 | +76.2% | $22.29/hr |
| Security Guard in AK | $47,480 | +80.5% | $22.83/hr |
| Tutor in AK | $47,710 | +81.3% | $22.94/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in AK | $48,530 | +84.5% | $23.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Alaska?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Alaska is $26,310 per year, or around $13 per hour. This means half of all waiters and waitresses in Alaska earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Alaska?
- The salary range for Waiter and Waitress roles in Alaska is quite broad, from $24,770 on the lower end to $64,080 for the highest earners. This wide span reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment type.
How does the salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Alaska compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Alaska is 22.5% lower than the national average. This suggests that, on average, individuals in this profession in Alaska earn less than their counterparts across the rest of the United States.
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Alaska?
- There are approximately 3,830 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Alaska. This number indicates the demand and prevalence of these service roles within the state's job market.