Waiter and Waitress Salary in Kentucky
Based on 27K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$29,660
$14.26/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-12.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$17K – $62K
27K employed in Kentucky
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Kentucky is $29,660 per year, which translates to about $14 per hour. This figure is 12.7% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, over 27,000 individuals are employed in these roles across the state.
Several factors influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Kentucky. These can include the specific establishment's type and location, the server's experience level, and the volume of tips received. Seasonal demand and the overall economic climate in a particular area of Kentucky can also impact earnings.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $16,520 |
| 25th percentile | $18,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $29,660 |
| 75th percentile | $45,710 |
| 90th percentile | $62,030 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,660 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,550 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,660 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,550 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $18,170 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $29,660 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,030 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Waiter and Waitress ($29,660 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in KY | $34,640 | +16.8% | $16.65/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in KY | $27,130 | -8.5% | $13.04/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in KY | $29,650 | -0.0% | $14.25/hr |
| Cashier in KY | $28,590 | -3.6% | $13.75/hr |
| Receptionist in KY | $32,940 | +11.1% | $15.84/hr |
| Security Guard in KY | $35,420 | +19.4% | $17.03/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in KY | $36,440 | +22.9% | $17.52/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in KY | $36,810 | +24.1% | $17.70/hr |
| Firefighter in KY | $37,150 | +25.3% | $17.86/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in KY | $38,370 | +29.4% | $18.45/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in KY | $38,700 | +30.5% | $18.61/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in KY | $39,200 | +32.2% | $18.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Kentucky?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in Kentucky typically falls between $16,520 and $62,030 per year. The median salary is $29,660 annually.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
- The average Waiter and Waitress salary in Kentucky is 12.7% lower than the national average. While the national median is higher, Kentucky's median is $29,660 per year.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Kentucky?
- Based on the median annual salary of $29,660, the average hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Kentucky is approximately $14. This can vary significantly with tips and experience.
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 27,150 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky. This indicates a substantial number of job opportunities within this sector.