Waiter and Waitress Salary in Maryland
Based on 38K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$36,750
$17.67/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+8.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $62K
38K employed in Maryland
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Maryland is $36,750 annually, or $18 per hour. This figure is 8.2% higher than the national average, reflecting the state's generally strong job market for hospitality roles. With approximately 38,120 individuals employed in this capacity across Maryland, the demand for skilled servers remains consistent.
Several factors influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Maryland. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically falling at the lower end of the $31,200 to $62,210 range. Location within Maryland, the type of establishment (e.g., fine dining vs. casual), and the potential for tips also contribute to the variability of earnings.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $32,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,750 |
| 75th percentile | $47,720 |
| 90th percentile | $62,210 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,853 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,750 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,853 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $32,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,210 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MD | $37,820 | +2.9% | $18.18/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MD | $33,660 | -8.4% | $16.18/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MD | $37,690 | +2.6% | $18.12/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MD | $35,510 | -3.4% | $17.07/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MD | $38,040 | +3.5% | $18.29/hr |
| Receptionist in MD | $38,100 | +3.7% | $18.32/hr |
| Security Guard in MD | $38,220 | +4.0% | $18.38/hr |
| Cashier in MD | $34,390 | -6.4% | $16.53/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in MD | $40,860 | +11.2% | $19.64/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MD | $42,830 | +16.5% | $20.59/hr |
| Data Analyst in MD | $42,850 | +16.6% | $20.60/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MD | $43,240 | +17.7% | $20.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Maryland?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Maryland is $36,750. This means that half of all servers in the state earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the typical hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Maryland?
- On average, Waiters and Waitresses in Maryland earn $18 per hour. This hourly rate can vary based on tips and other contributing factors.
What is the salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Maryland?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in Maryland generally falls between $31,200 and $62,210 annually. Entry-level positions are more likely to be closer to the lower end of this spectrum.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Maryland compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Maryland is 8.2% higher than the national average. This indicates a potentially stronger earning potential for servers in Maryland compared to many other states.