Waiter and Waitress Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 82K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$34,690
$16.68/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+2.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$18K – $62K
82K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Pennsylvania is $34,690 per year, or approximately $17 per hour. This figure falls within a broad salary range, from $18,400 at the lower end to $61,780 at the higher end. This median is about 2.1% higher than the national average.
Several factors influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level is a significant determinant, with seasoned professionals typically earning more than those just starting out. Location within the state, the type of establishment (fine dining versus casual), and the volume of tips received also play crucial roles in overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $18,400 |
| 25th percentile | $24,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $34,690 |
| 75th percentile | $46,790 |
| 90th percentile | $61,780 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,731 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,690 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,731 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $24,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $34,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,780 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Waiter and Waitress ($34,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in PA | $36,580 | +5.4% | $17.59/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in PA | $28,570 | -17.6% | $13.74/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in PA | $36,640 | +5.6% | $17.62/hr |
| Receptionist in PA | $36,810 | +6.1% | $17.70/hr |
| Security Guard in PA | $37,050 | +6.8% | $17.81/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in PA | $31,200 | -10.1% | $15.00/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in PA | $29,420 | -15.2% | $14.14/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in PA | $40,040 | +15.4% | $19.25/hr |
| Cashier in PA | $29,220 | -15.8% | $14.05/hr |
| Tutor in PA | $41,740 | +20.3% | $20.07/hr |
| Medical Assistant in PA | $43,920 | +26.6% | $21.12/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in PA | $44,590 | +28.5% | $21.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Pennsylvania?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Pennsylvania is $34,690. This means that half of all individuals in this role earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the hourly pay rate for Waiters and Waitresses in Pennsylvania?
- On average, Waiters and Waitresses in Pennsylvania earn around $17 per hour. This hourly rate can fluctuate based on factors like tips and experience.
What is the salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Pennsylvania?
- The salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Pennsylvania can range from $18,400 to $61,780 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and the establishment's earning potential.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Pennsylvania is approximately 2.1% higher than the national average. This indicates that Pennsylvania tends to offer slightly more competitive compensation for this profession compared to the rest of the country.