Waiter and Waitress Salary in Louisiana
Based on 34K+ workers in Louisiana
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$15,080
$7.25/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-55.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$15K – $38K
34K employed in Louisiana
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $15,080 |
| 25th percentile | $15,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $15,080 |
| 75th percentile | $23,350 |
| 90th percentile | $38,060 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $15,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $15,532 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15,080 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $15,532 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $15,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $15,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $23,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $38,060 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Waiter and Waitress ($15,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in LA | $29,050 | +92.6% | $13.97/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in LA | $22,800 | +51.2% | $10.96/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in LA | $22,520 | +49.3% | $10.83/hr |
| Cashier in LA | $26,750 | +77.4% | $12.86/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in LA | $29,490 | +95.6% | $14.18/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in LA | $30,510 | +102.3% | $14.67/hr |
| Security Guard in LA | $32,240 | +113.8% | $15.50/hr |
| Receptionist in LA | $32,750 | +117.2% | $15.75/hr |
| Firefighter in LA | $33,120 | +119.6% | $15.92/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in LA | $34,490 | +128.7% | $16.58/hr |
| Medical Assistant in LA | $36,320 | +140.8% | $17.46/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in LA | $37,330 | +147.5% | $17.95/hr |