Waiter and Waitress Salary in Nebraska
Based on 13K+ workers in Nebraska
Median Annual Salary (NE)
$33,770
$16.24/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-0.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$28K – $59K
13K employed in Nebraska
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Nebraska is $33,770 per year, which translates to approximately $16 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Nebraska's median pay being 0.6% lower. Approximately 13,310 individuals are employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Nebraska. These include the specific establishment, the volume of business, the geographic location within the state, and the amount of tips earned, which can significantly boost overall compensation. Experience and performance also play a role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Nebraska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,080 |
| 25th percentile | $28,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $33,770 |
| 75th percentile | $46,710 |
| 90th percentile | $59,420 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Nebraska) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,783 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Nebraska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,770 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $34,783 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $33,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,420 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Nebraska
How other high-demand occupations in Nebraska compare to Waiter and Waitress ($33,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in NE | $37,030 | +9.7% | $17.80/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NE | $29,000 | -14.1% | $13.94/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NE | $31,870 | -5.6% | $15.32/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NE | $35,920 | +6.4% | $17.27/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NE | $36,150 | +7.0% | $17.38/hr |
| Cashier in NE | $30,250 | -10.4% | $14.54/hr |
| Receptionist in NE | $37,860 | +12.1% | $18.20/hr |
| Tutor in NE | $38,240 | +13.2% | $18.38/hr |
| Security Guard in NE | $39,840 | +18.0% | $19.15/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NE | $40,000 | +18.4% | $19.23/hr |
| Social Worker in NE | $43,240 | +28.0% | $20.79/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NE | $43,940 | +30.1% | $21.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Nebraska?
- The salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Nebraska typically falls between $28,080 and $59,420 annually. The median salary is $33,770 per year.
How does the average Waiter and Waitress salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Nebraska is slightly lower than the national average. Specifically, Nebraska's median salary is 0.6% less than the national median.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiter or Waitress in Nebraska?
- On average, a Waiter or Waitress in Nebraska earns about $16 per hour. This hourly rate contributes to the annual median salary of $33,770.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Nebraska?
- There are approximately 13,310 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Nebraska. This indicates a notable presence of this profession within the state's workforce.