Waiter and Waitress Salary in North Carolina
Based on 72K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$32,150
$15.46/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$17K – $63K
72K employed in North Carolina
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in North Carolina is $32,150 per year, which breaks down to about $15 per hour. This figure is 5.3% lower than the national average for this occupation. Currently, there are approximately 71,940 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses across the state.
Several factors can influence how much a Waiter and Waitress salary in North Carolina will be. These include the specific type of establishment, the volume of customers, the location within the state, and the amount of tips earned. Experience level and any additional responsibilities can also play a significant role in determining overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17,140 |
| 25th percentile | $20,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $32,150 |
| 75th percentile | $48,550 |
| 90th percentile | $62,670 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,115 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,150 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,115 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $20,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $32,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,670 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Waiter and Waitress ($32,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in NC | $35,400 | +10.1% | $17.02/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NC | $28,570 | -11.1% | $13.74/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NC | $31,370 | -2.4% | $15.08/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NC | $31,240 | -2.8% | $15.02/hr |
| Security Guard in NC | $35,010 | +8.9% | $16.83/hr |
| Cashier in NC | $28,880 | -10.2% | $13.88/hr |
| Receptionist in NC | $35,440 | +10.2% | $17.04/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NC | $35,950 | +11.8% | $17.28/hr |
| Firefighter in NC | $37,940 | +18.0% | $18.24/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NC | $38,460 | +19.6% | $18.49/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NC | $40,240 | +25.2% | $19.35/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | +29.7% | $20.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in North Carolina?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in North Carolina generally falls between $17,140 and $62,670 annually. This broad spectrum reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment type.
How does the average Waiter and Waitress pay in North Carolina compare to the rest of the US?
- Waiters and waitresses in North Carolina earn 5.3% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $32,150 per year is lower compared to the overall US median for this role.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in North Carolina?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in North Carolina is $15 per hour. This figure is derived from the annual median salary and represents a common earning point for the profession.
Is the Waiter and Waitress salary in North Carolina affected by location?
- Yes, location can significantly impact a Waiter and Waitress salary in North Carolina. For instance, roles in higher cost-of-living areas or establishments with higher customer volume, which might be found in larger cities, could offer compensation closer to the upper end of the $62,670 range, while those in smaller towns might be closer to the $17,140 lower end.