Waiter and Waitress Salary in Arizona
Based on 56K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$43,950
$21.13/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+29.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $79K
56K employed in Arizona
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Arizona is $43,950 per year, or $21 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, with Arizona workers earning approximately 29.4% more. With 55,950 individuals employed in this role across the state, it's a substantial sector of the Arizona workforce.
Several factors influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Arizona. Experience plays a crucial role, as does the specific type of establishment; fine dining restaurants often offer higher pay than casual eateries. Location within Arizona, tips earned, and any additional benefits or responsibilities can also impact overall compensation, leading to a broad salary range from $30,580 to $78,920.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,580 |
| 25th percentile | $33,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $43,950 |
| 75th percentile | $63,020 |
| 90th percentile | $78,920 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,269 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,950 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,269 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $43,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,920 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Waiter and Waitress ($43,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in AZ | $38,670 | -12.0% | $18.59/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in AZ | $34,230 | -22.1% | $16.46/hr |
| Tutor in AZ | $44,110 | +0.4% | $21.21/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AZ | $44,780 | +1.9% | $21.53/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AZ | $45,690 | +4.0% | $21.97/hr |
| Medical Assistant in AZ | $45,940 | +4.5% | $22.09/hr |
| Social Worker in AZ | $46,380 | +5.5% | $22.30/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AZ | $46,590 | +6.0% | $22.40/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in AZ | $47,140 | +7.3% | $22.66/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in AZ | $47,620 | +8.4% | $22.89/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in AZ | $47,640 | +8.4% | $22.90/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in AZ | $47,940 | +9.1% | $23.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Arizona?
- The median annual Waiter and Waitress salary in Arizona is $43,950. This means half of all waiters and waitresses in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. The hourly rate for this median salary is $21.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Arizona compare to the national average?
- Waiters and waitresses in Arizona earn considerably more than the national average. The median salary in Arizona is 29.4% higher than the national median for this profession. This suggests stronger earning potential for these roles within the state.
What is the typical salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Arizona?
- The salary range for Waiter and Waitress roles in Arizona is quite broad, spanning from $30,580 to $78,920 annually. This wide range reflects the influence of various factors such as experience, establishment type, and location within the state.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Arizona?
- There are a significant number of individuals working as Waiters and Waitresses in Arizona, with a total of 55,950 employed. This indicates a robust job market for this service industry position within the state.