Waiter and Waitress Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 10K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$35,420
$17.03/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+4.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $63K
10K employed in Rhode Island
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Rhode Island is $35,420 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 4.3% higher than the national average, indicating a slightly more favorable earning potential for these service roles within the Ocean State. Currently, there are an estimated 10,160 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses in Rhode Island.
Several factors can influence the actual earnings of a waiter or waitress in Rhode Island. These include the specific establishment's type and clientele, the volume of tips received, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. More upscale restaurants or those in high-traffic tourist areas may offer higher potential earnings compared to more casual dining establishments.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,420 |
| 75th percentile | $50,840 |
| 90th percentile | $62,680 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,483 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,420 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,483 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $50,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,680 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Waiter and Waitress ($35,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in RI | $36,510 | +3.1% | $17.55/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in RI | $31,490 | -11.1% | $15.14/hr |
| Cashier in RI | $34,860 | -1.6% | $16.76/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in RI | $34,860 | -1.6% | $16.76/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in RI | $36,470 | +3.0% | $17.53/hr |
| Security Guard in RI | $36,940 | +4.3% | $17.76/hr |
| Tutor in RI | $41,960 | +18.5% | $20.17/hr |
| Receptionist in RI | $42,620 | +20.3% | $20.49/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in RI | $43,680 | +23.3% | $21.00/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in RI | $44,380 | +25.3% | $21.34/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in RI | $46,440 | +31.1% | $22.33/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in RI | $47,020 | +32.7% | $22.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Rhode Island is $35,420 annually. This breaks down to about $17 per hour, placing it above the national average by 4.3%.
What is the typical salary range for this role in Rhode Island?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island typically falls between $31,200 and $62,680 per year. The median falls squarely within this spectrum at $35,420.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Rhode Island compare to other states?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island earn approximately 4.3% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $35,420 is a stronger figure than many other states.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 10,160 individuals employed in Waiter and Waitress positions throughout Rhode Island. This represents a significant portion of the service industry workforce in the state.