Waiter and Waitress Salary in Delaware
Based on 8K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$36,880
$17.73/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $62K
8K employed in Delaware
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Delaware is $36,880 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for hospitality professionals in the state. The typical range for these positions falls between $31,200 and $62,000 annually.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Delaware. Experience level plays a significant role, with seasoned servers often commanding higher wages. The specific establishment, its location within Delaware, and the volume of business it serves also contribute to earning potential, impacting both base pay and tip income.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,880 |
| 75th percentile | $46,400 |
| 90th percentile | $62,000 |
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 Delaware 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 Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,986 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,880 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,986 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,000 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in DE | $37,840 | +2.6% | $18.19/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in DE | $31,300 | -15.1% | $15.05/hr |
| Security Guard in DE | $36,360 | -1.4% | $17.48/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in DE | $37,420 | +1.5% | $17.99/hr |
| Receptionist in DE | $36,310 | -1.5% | $17.46/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in DE | $35,360 | -4.1% | $17.00/hr |
| Tutor in DE | $34,730 | -5.8% | $16.70/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in DE | $34,320 | -6.9% | $16.50/hr |
| Cashier in DE | $33,490 | -9.2% | $16.10/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DE | $42,030 | +14.0% | $20.21/hr |
| Medical Assistant in DE | $44,490 | +20.6% | $21.39/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DE | $45,550 | +23.5% | $21.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a waiter or waitress in Delaware?
- The average hourly wage for a waiter or waitress in Delaware is $18 per hour. This is based on the median annual salary of $36,880. This figure often fluctuates with tips.
How much can a waiter or waitress in Delaware expect to earn annually?
- In Delaware, the median annual salary for a waiter or waitress is $36,880. The salary range is quite broad, with most earning between $31,200 and $62,000 per year.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Delaware compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Delaware is 8.6% higher than the national average. This suggests better earning opportunities for these roles within the state compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of employed waiters and waitresses in Delaware?
- There are approximately 7,580 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses in Delaware. This indicates a substantial presence of these roles within the state's hospitality sector.