Waiter and Waitress Salary in Florida
Based on 207K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$36,150
$17.38/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$27K – $64K
207K employed in Florida
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Florida is $36,150 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 6.4% higher than the national average for this profession. With a total of 207,180 employed individuals in this role, Florida represents a significant market for servers.
Several factors can influence how much a Waiter or Waitress earns in Florida. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals often commanding higher wages. The specific establishment's size, location within Florida (e.g., tourist hotspots vs. less busy areas), and whether tips are included in the base pay structure also significantly impact overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,230 |
| 25th percentile | $28,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,150 |
| 75th percentile | $47,590 |
| 90th percentile | $63,580 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,235 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,150 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,235 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,580 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in FL | $37,020 | +2.4% | $17.80/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in FL | $29,080 | -19.6% | $13.98/hr |
| Security Guard in FL | $35,900 | -0.7% | $17.26/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in FL | $36,400 | +0.7% | $17.50/hr |
| Receptionist in FL | $36,810 | +1.8% | $17.70/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in FL | $37,510 | +3.8% | $18.03/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in FL | $34,010 | -5.9% | $16.35/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in FL | $33,800 | -6.5% | $16.25/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in FL | $40,440 | +11.9% | $19.44/hr |
| Cashier in FL | $30,530 | -15.5% | $14.68/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in FL | $43,590 | +20.6% | $20.96/hr |
| Medical Assistant in FL | $43,680 | +20.8% | $21.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Florida?
- In Florida, the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses typically falls between $27,230 and $63,580 annually. The median salary for this role is $36,150 per year.
How does the average salary for Florida Waiters and Waitresses compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Florida earn approximately 6.4% more than the national average. This means that the median salary of $36,150 in Florida is higher than what servers might expect elsewhere in the country.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Florida?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Florida is around $17 per hour. This figure is derived from the annual median salary of $36,150.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Florida?
- There are a substantial number of employed Waiters and Waitresses in Florida, totaling 207,180 individuals. This indicates a robust job market for this profession within the state.