Waiter and Waitress Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 12K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$47,850
$23.00/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+40.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $100K
12K employed in District of Columbia
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in the District of Columbia is $47,850 per year, which is approximately $23 per hour. This figure represents a significant 40.9% higher than the national average for this profession. With a substantial total of 11,530 individuals employed in this role within the city, it's a prominent sector.
Several factors can influence how much a Waiter or Waitress earns in Washington D.C. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals often commanding higher wages. Additionally, the type of establishment, its location within the district, and the volume of business can significantly impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $36,400 to $100,240.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,400 |
| 25th percentile | $36,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,850 |
| 75th percentile | $78,520 |
| 90th percentile | $100,240 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,850 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,286 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,850 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,286 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,850 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,240 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Waiter and Waitress ($47,850 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in DC | $46,130 | -3.6% | $22.18/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in DC | $37,430 | -21.8% | $18.00/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DC | $47,700 | -0.3% | $22.93/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | +0.8% | $23.20/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in DC | $47,410 | -0.9% | $22.79/hr |
| Receptionist in DC | $49,060 | +2.5% | $23.59/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in DC | $49,680 | +3.8% | $23.88/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | +4.5% | $24.05/hr |
| Medical Assistant in DC | $51,050 | +6.7% | $24.54/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in DC | $42,700 | -10.8% | $20.53/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in DC | $39,640 | -17.2% | $19.06/hr |
| Cashier in DC | $38,880 | -18.7% | $18.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Washington D.C.?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in the District of Columbia is $47,850. This median is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential in the city.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses earn per hour in D.C.?
- On average, Waiters and Waitresses in Washington D.C. earn approximately $23 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the city's higher cost of living and demand for service industry professionals.
What is the typical salary range for this position in the District of Columbia?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in the District of Columbia is quite broad, typically falling between $36,400 and $100,240 annually. This wide spectrum suggests significant variation based on experience and the establishment.
Is the salary for Waiters and Waitresses in D.C. higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Waiter and Waitress salary in the District of Columbia is substantially higher than the national average. It is approximately 40.9% more, meaning professionals in D.C. can expect to earn significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere in the country.