Waiter and Waitress Salary in South Carolina
Based on 47K+ workers in South Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$18,370
$8.83/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-45.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$15K – $47K
47K employed in South Carolina
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $15,080 |
| 25th percentile | $16,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $18,370 |
| 75th percentile | $29,910 |
| 90th percentile | $46,820 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $18,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $18,921 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $18,370 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $18,921 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $16,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $18,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $29,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,820 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Waiter and Waitress ($18,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in SC | $35,740 | +94.6% | $17.18/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in SC | $27,520 | +49.8% | $13.23/hr |
| Cashier in SC | $28,530 | +55.3% | $13.72/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in SC | $30,110 | +63.9% | $14.48/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in SC | $30,690 | +67.1% | $14.75/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in SC | $33,590 | +82.9% | $16.15/hr |
| Security Guard in SC | $35,460 | +93.0% | $17.05/hr |
| Receptionist in SC | $35,510 | +93.3% | $17.07/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in SC | $35,990 | +95.9% | $17.30/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SC | $36,020 | +96.1% | $17.32/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in SC | $37,220 | +102.6% | $17.89/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in SC | $38,860 | +111.5% | $18.68/hr |