Waiter and Waitress Salary in Maine
Based on 9K+ workers in Maine
Median Annual Salary (ME)
$43,370
$20.85/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+27.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $83K
9K employed in Maine
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Maine is $43,370 per year, which translates to approximately $21 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with Maine-based servers earning around 27.7% more. This data reflects the compensation for the approximately 9,090 individuals employed in these roles across the state.
Several factors can influence how much a waiter or waitress earns in Maine. Experience level, the specific establishment (fine dining versus casual), and the volume of business all play significant roles. Tips also constitute a substantial portion of a server's income, varying greatly based on customer generosity and the restaurant's price point, impacting the overall Waiter and Waitress salary in Maine.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Maine
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,490 |
| 25th percentile | $32,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $43,370 |
| 75th percentile | $62,910 |
| 90th percentile | $82,930 |
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 Maine 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 Maine vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maine) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,671 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maine Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,370 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $44,671 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Maine
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $32,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $43,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $82,930 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Maine
How other high-demand occupations in Maine compare to Waiter and Waitress ($43,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in ME | $45,290 | +4.4% | $21.77/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in ME | $34,710 | -20.0% | $16.69/hr |
| Receptionist in ME | $42,440 | -2.1% | $20.40/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in ME | $45,400 | +4.7% | $21.83/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in ME | $46,080 | +6.2% | $22.15/hr |
| Construction Laborer in ME | $46,430 | +7.1% | $22.32/hr |
| Tutor in ME | $46,720 | +7.7% | $22.46/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in ME | $47,070 | +8.5% | $22.63/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in ME | $47,160 | +8.7% | $22.67/hr |
| Medical Assistant in ME | $47,580 | +9.7% | $22.88/hr |
| Security Guard in ME | $39,100 | -9.8% | $18.80/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in ME | $38,580 | -11.0% | $18.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a waiter or waitress in Maine?
- The median salary for a waiter or waitress in Maine is $43,370 annually, or about $21 per hour. This median is a good indicator of typical earnings for the profession in the state.
What is the salary range for Waiter and Waitress jobs in Maine?
- In Maine, the salary range for waiters and waitresses typically falls between $30,490 and $82,930 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and the type of establishment.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Maine compare to the national average?
- Waiters and waitresses in Maine earn significantly more than the national average, with their salaries being approximately 27.7% higher. This means a median Maine server can expect to earn more than their counterparts in many other states.
How many people are employed as waiters and waitresses in Maine?
- There are approximately 9,090 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses throughout Maine. This indicates a substantial sector within the state's hospitality industry.