Waiter and Waitress Salary in New Jersey
Based on 56K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$44,960
$21.62/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+32.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $79K
56K employed in New Jersey
The median annual salary for a Waiter and Waitress in New Jersey is $44,960, which translates to an hourly rate of $22. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, with New Jersey professionals earning approximately 32.4% more.
Several factors can influence the specific Waiter and Waitress salary in New Jersey. Experience level plays a crucial role, as do the type of establishment and its location within the state. Tips, which are a significant portion of earnings for many in this role, can also cause considerable variation in take-home pay.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,220 |
| 25th percentile | $35,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,960 |
| 75th percentile | $56,410 |
| 90th percentile | $78,510 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,309 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,960 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,309 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $56,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,510 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Waiter and Waitress ($44,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in NJ | $38,460 | -14.5% | $18.49/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NJ | $34,150 | -24.0% | $16.42/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NJ | $46,830 | +4.2% | $22.51/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NJ | $47,210 | +5.0% | $22.70/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NJ | $42,480 | -5.5% | $20.42/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NJ | $47,740 | +6.2% | $22.95/hr |
| Receptionist in NJ | $41,650 | -7.4% | $20.02/hr |
| Dental Assistant in NJ | $49,390 | +9.9% | $23.75/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NJ | $49,730 | +10.6% | $23.91/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in NJ | $50,260 | +11.8% | $24.16/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NJ | $39,610 | -11.9% | $19.04/hr |
| Security Guard in NJ | $38,880 | -13.5% | $18.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiter and Waitress salary in New Jersey?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter and Waitress in New Jersey is $44,960. This equates to an average hourly wage of $22, offering a substantial earning potential compared to the national average.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey typically falls between $32,220 and $78,510 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and the volume of business at establishments.
How does the salary for New Jersey Waiters and Waitresses compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey earn considerably more than their national counterparts. The state's median salary of $44,960 is approximately 32.4% higher than the national average, indicating a more lucrative market.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in New Jersey?
- New Jersey employs a significant number of service professionals in this role, with an estimated 55,800 Waiters and Waitresses working across the state. This large workforce contributes to the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry there.