Waiter and Waitress Salary in Tennessee
Based on 52K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$27,760
$13.35/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-18.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$15K – $48K
52K employed in Tennessee
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Tennessee is $27,760 per year, which translates to approximately $13 per hour. This figure is 18.3% lower than the national average for this profession. With over 52,000 individuals employed in these roles across the state, it represents a significant segment of the service industry workforce.
Several factors influence the actual Waiter and Waitress salary in Tennessee. These can include the specific establishment's location, whether it's a high-volume restaurant or a smaller diner, and the level of experience the individual brings to the role. Tips, which are a substantial portion of earnings for many in this field, also vary greatly depending on customer volume and generosity.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $15,080 |
| 25th percentile | $16,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $27,760 |
| 75th percentile | $37,380 |
| 90th percentile | $47,660 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,593 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,760 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,593 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $16,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $27,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,660 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Waiter and Waitress ($27,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in TN | $36,420 | +31.2% | $17.51/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in TN | $27,470 | -1.0% | $13.21/hr |
| Cashier in TN | $28,590 | +3.0% | $13.75/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TN | $31,950 | +15.1% | $15.36/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in TN | $32,130 | +15.7% | $15.45/hr |
| Receptionist in TN | $34,910 | +25.8% | $16.78/hr |
| Security Guard in TN | $36,000 | +29.7% | $17.31/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TN | $36,140 | +30.2% | $17.38/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TN | $37,990 | +36.9% | $18.26/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | +39.5% | $18.62/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TN | $39,570 | +42.5% | $19.02/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in TN | $40,180 | +44.7% | $19.32/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Tennessee?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Tennessee is $27,760 per year, or about $13 per hour. This is significantly below the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses typically falls between $15,080 and $47,660 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and tip potential.
How does the salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Tennessee is 18.3% lower than the national average. This means Tennessee-based servers generally earn less than their counterparts in other states.
How many people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 52,120 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Tennessee. This indicates a substantial job market for this profession within the state.