Waiter and Waitress Salary in Colorado
Based on 41K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$44,860
$21.57/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+32.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $78K
41K employed in Colorado
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Colorado is $44,860 per year, which equates to approximately $22 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, showing a significant 32.1% increase. Currently, Colorado employs around 40,680 individuals in this role, indicating a substantial presence within the state's service industry.
Several factors influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Colorado. These can include the specific establishment's size and type, location within the state (e.g., urban vs. rural areas), and the individual server's experience level. Tips, which are a significant component of earnings for many servers, can also cause substantial variation within the reported salary range.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,800 |
| 25th percentile | $32,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,860 |
| 75th percentile | $66,360 |
| 90th percentile | $78,160 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,206 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,860 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,206 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $32,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,160 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Waiter and Waitress ($44,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in CO | $41,600 | -7.3% | $20.00/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CO | $36,270 | -19.1% | $17.44/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -0.3% | $21.50/hr |
| Security Guard in CO | $45,150 | +0.6% | $21.71/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CO | $42,350 | -5.6% | $20.36/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CO | $47,380 | +5.6% | $22.78/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CO | $47,540 | +6.0% | $22.86/hr |
| Receptionist in CO | $42,010 | -6.4% | $20.20/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CO | $47,840 | +6.6% | $23.00/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CO | $47,900 | +6.8% | $23.03/hr |
| Dental Assistant in CO | $48,340 | +7.8% | $23.24/hr |
| Medical Assistant in CO | $48,400 | +7.9% | $23.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Waiter and Waitress salary range in Colorado?
- In Colorado, the salary for a Waiter and Waitress typically falls between $30,800 and $78,160 per year. This broad range reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment type.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Colorado is 32.1% higher than the national average. This means Colorado servers are earning significantly more than their counterparts across the United States, with a median of $44,860 annually.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Colorado?
- On average, a Waiter and Waitress in Colorado earns about $22 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $44,860 and reflects the typical earnings for this position within the state.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Colorado?
- Colorado is home to approximately 40,680 employed individuals working as Waiters and Waitresses. This substantial number underscores the importance of these roles within the state's hospitality sector.