Waiter and Waitress Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 55K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$38,460
$18.49/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+13.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $62K
55K employed in Massachusetts
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Massachusetts is $38,460 per year, which translates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, showing a 13.2% increase for those in the Bay State.
Several factors can influence a Waiter and Waitress salary in Massachusetts, including the specific establishment, years of experience, and the tip structure. Locations in higher cost-of-living areas or establishments with a higher volume of customers often offer better earning potential, with salaries ranging from $31,790 to $62,200.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,790 |
| 25th percentile | $35,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,460 |
| 75th percentile | $45,700 |
| 90th percentile | $62,200 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,614 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,460 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,614 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,200 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Waiter and Waitress ($38,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MA | $45,600 | +18.6% | $21.92/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MA | $35,850 | -6.8% | $17.24/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MA | $37,540 | -2.4% | $18.05/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MA | $36,610 | -4.8% | $17.60/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MA | $40,910 | +6.4% | $19.67/hr |
| Cashier in MA | $35,520 | -7.6% | $17.08/hr |
| Receptionist in MA | $43,870 | +14.1% | $21.09/hr |
| Security Guard in MA | $44,670 | +16.1% | $21.48/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in MA | $46,470 | +20.8% | $22.34/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MA | $46,680 | +21.4% | $22.44/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in MA | $47,320 | +23.0% | $22.75/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MA | $49,120 | +27.7% | $23.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiter and Waitress salary in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Massachusetts is $38,460 annually, or about $18 per hour. This median is higher than the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Massachusetts?
- In Massachusetts, the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses generally falls between $31,790 and $62,200 per year. This wide range reflects variations in experience and location.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Massachusetts earn 13.2% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $38,460 is significantly higher than what many experience elsewhere in the country.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 54,670 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Massachusetts. This indicates a substantial job market for these service professionals.