Waiter and Waitress Salary in Ohio
Based on 77K+ workers in Ohio
Median Annual Salary (OH)
$36,700
$17.64/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$24K – $64K
77K employed in Ohio
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Ohio is approximately $36,700 per year, which translates to about $18 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, by about 8.1%. With a substantial 77,250 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant segment of the service industry.
Several factors can influence the actual income for a Waiter or Waitress in Ohio. These include the specific establishment's location and its customer volume, the tipping culture prevalent in that area, and the level of experience an individual brings to the position. Individual performance and the ability to upsell can also play a role in determining earnings.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Ohio
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $23,820 |
| 25th percentile | $28,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,700 |
| 75th percentile | $48,170 |
| 90th percentile | $63,740 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Ohio) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,801 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Ohio Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,700 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,801 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Ohio
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,740 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Ohio
How other high-demand occupations in Ohio compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in OH | $35,540 | -3.2% | $17.09/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in OH | $28,430 | -22.5% | $13.67/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in OH | $37,130 | +1.2% | $17.85/hr |
| Tutor in OH | $37,360 | +1.8% | $17.96/hr |
| Receptionist in OH | $35,920 | -2.1% | $17.27/hr |
| Security Guard in OH | $35,770 | -2.5% | $17.20/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in OH | $34,460 | -6.1% | $16.57/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in OH | $39,010 | +6.3% | $18.75/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in OH | $40,650 | +10.8% | $19.54/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in OH | $30,800 | -16.1% | $14.81/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in OH | $42,620 | +16.1% | $20.49/hr |
| Medical Assistant in OH | $42,810 | +16.6% | $20.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual Waiter and Waitress salary in Ohio?
- The median annual Waiter and Waitress salary in Ohio is $36,700. This means that half of all individuals in this role earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Ohio?
- On average, a Waiter or Waitress in Ohio earns around $18 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $36,700.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Ohio?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Ohio is quite broad, spanning from $23,820 at the lower end to $63,740 at the higher end. This indicates significant earning potential based on various factors.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Ohio earn approximately 8.1% more than the national average. Considering the median salary of $36,700 in Ohio, this comparison highlights a positive trend for those in the state.