Waiter and Waitress Salary in Texas
Based on 200K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$23,240
$11.17/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-31.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$17K – $48K
200K employed in Texas
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Texas is $23,240 per year, which equates to approximately $11 per hour. This figure is 31.6% lower than the national average, indicating a notable difference in compensation for this role across the state. Currently, there are an estimated 199,610 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Texas.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Texas. These include the specific establishment's location, size, and clientele, as well as the server's experience level and tip earnings. While the base salary can range from $17,070 to $47,590 annually, tips often significantly increase overall take-home pay.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17,070 |
| 25th percentile | $17,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $23,240 |
| 75th percentile | $37,230 |
| 90th percentile | $47,590 |
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 Texas 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 Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $23,937 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,240 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $23,937 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $17,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $23,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,590 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Waiter and Waitress ($23,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in TX | $34,760 | +49.6% | $16.71/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in TX | $27,740 | +19.4% | $13.34/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in TX | $24,230 | +4.3% | $11.65/hr |
| Cashier in TX | $29,230 | +25.8% | $14.05/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TX | $30,800 | +32.5% | $14.81/hr |
| Receptionist in TX | $35,210 | +51.5% | $16.93/hr |
| Security Guard in TX | $35,980 | +54.8% | $17.30/hr |
| Tutor in TX | $36,140 | +55.5% | $17.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TX | $36,840 | +58.5% | $17.71/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TX | $37,500 | +61.4% | $18.03/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TX | $39,520 | +70.1% | $19.00/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in TX | $40,420 | +73.9% | $19.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Waiter and Waitress salary range in Texas?
- The salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Texas typically falls between $17,070 and $47,590 annually. The median annual salary is $23,240, with an hourly rate of about $11.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Texas compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Texas earn significantly less than the national average. The median Texas salary is 31.6% lower than the national median.
What is the median hourly pay for a Waiter or Waitress in Texas?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Texas is approximately $11. This is based on the median annual salary of $23,240.
Is the Waiter and Waitress salary in Texas higher or lower than other states?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Texas is lower than the national average. The median salary of $23,240 per year is 31.6% less than what is earned on average nationwide.