Waiter and Waitress Salary in New York
Based on 143K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$47,020
$22.61/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+38.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$34K – $83K
143K employed in New York
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in New York is $47,020 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, showing a 38.4% increase. New York is a dynamic market for these service professionals, with a substantial 142,940 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the overall Waiter and Waitress salary in New York. These include the specific location within the state, the type and size of the establishment, and the level of experience the individual possesses. Tips can also form a substantial portion of total earnings, making the base hourly rate a starting point for understanding earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,540 |
| 25th percentile | $34,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,020 |
| 75th percentile | $64,480 |
| 90th percentile | $83,210 |
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 New York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,431 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,020 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,431 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,210 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Waiter and Waitress ($47,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in NY | $43,680 | -7.1% | $21.00/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NY | $35,250 | -25.0% | $16.95/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NY | $47,960 | +2.0% | $23.06/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NY | $48,000 | +2.1% | $23.08/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NY | $48,000 | +2.1% | $23.08/hr |
| Dental Assistant in NY | $48,110 | +2.3% | $23.13/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NY | $48,590 | +3.3% | $23.36/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in NY | $49,600 | +5.5% | $23.85/hr |
| Security Guard in NY | $44,240 | -5.9% | $21.27/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NY | $43,930 | -6.6% | $21.12/hr |
| Receptionist in NY | $43,080 | -8.4% | $20.71/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NY | $42,000 | -10.7% | $20.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in New York?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in New York typically falls between $33,540 and $83,210 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment type.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in New York compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in New York earn considerably more than the national average, with their median salary being 38.4% higher. This means that while the national median might be lower, New York offers a significantly more lucrative environment for this profession.
What is the median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in New York?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in New York is around $23. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $47,020, providing a clearer picture of short-term earning potential.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
- There are a considerable 142,940 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in New York. This large number indicates a strong demand for these roles within the state's extensive hospitality industry.