Waiter and Waitress Salary in Mississippi
Based on 15K+ workers in Mississippi
Median Annual Salary (MS)
$21,370
$10.27/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-37.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$15K – $39K
15K employed in Mississippi
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Mississippi is $21,370 per year, which translates to approximately $10 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, coming in at 37.1% less. With over 15,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, understanding the earning potential is crucial for those in or considering the profession.
Several factors can influence a Waiter and Waitress salary in Mississippi. These include the specific establishment's size and clientele, the volume of tips earned, and the employee's experience level. Location within Mississippi can also play a role, with higher-paying opportunities potentially found in larger cities or tourist areas, impacting the overall salary range from $15,330 to $39,420.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Mississippi
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $15,330 |
| 25th percentile | $16,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $21,370 |
| 75th percentile | $29,300 |
| 90th percentile | $39,420 |
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Mississippi) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $21,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $22,011 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Mississippi Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $21,370 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $22,011 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Mississippi
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $16,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $21,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $29,300 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $39,420 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Mississippi
How other high-demand occupations in Mississippi compare to Waiter and Waitress ($21,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MS | $29,560 | +38.3% | $14.21/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MS | $22,610 | +5.8% | $10.87/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MS | $23,860 | +11.7% | $11.47/hr |
| Cashier in MS | $26,390 | +23.5% | $12.69/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MS | $28,640 | +34.0% | $13.77/hr |
| Security Guard in MS | $29,180 | +36.5% | $14.03/hr |
| Receptionist in MS | $31,160 | +45.8% | $14.98/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MS | $31,520 | +47.5% | $15.15/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MS | $34,270 | +60.4% | $16.48/hr |
| Medical Assistant in MS | $35,360 | +65.5% | $17.00/hr |
| Firefighter in MS | $35,880 | +67.9% | $17.25/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MS | $36,380 | +70.2% | $17.49/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Mississippi?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Mississippi is $21,370. This means that half of all individuals in this role earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Mississippi is 37.1% lower than the national average. This significant difference means that, on average, individuals in this profession in Mississippi earn considerably less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the typical hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Mississippi?
- The typical hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Mississippi is about $10 per hour. This is derived from the median annual salary and can fluctuate based on tips and hours worked.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Mississippi?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Mississippi falls between $15,330 and $39,420 annually. This broad spectrum indicates that experience, location, and the type of establishment can significantly impact an individual's earnings.