Waiter and Waitress Salary in Washington
Based on 45K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$56,130
$26.99/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+65.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $95K
45K employed in Washington
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Washington is $56,130 per year, or approximately $27 per hour. This figure significantly exceeds the national average by 65.3%, indicating a strong earning potential for these service roles within the state. Approximately 45,400 individuals are employed as waiters and waitresses across Washington.
Several factors can influence the actual Waiter and Waitress salary in Washington. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals often commanding higher pay. The specific establishment, including its size, reputation, and pricing, as well as the volume and generosity of tips, can also substantially impact overall earnings beyond the base hourly wage.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,710 |
| 25th percentile | $45,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,130 |
| 75th percentile | $73,840 |
| 90th percentile | $94,930 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,814 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,130 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,814 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,930 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Waiter and Waitress ($56,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in WA | $46,800 | -16.6% | $22.50/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in WA | $37,710 | -32.8% | $18.13/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in WA | $57,270 | +2.0% | $27.53/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in WA | $57,330 | +2.1% | $27.56/hr |
| Construction Laborer in WA | $57,720 | +2.8% | $27.75/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in WA | $58,050 | +3.4% | $27.91/hr |
| Dental Assistant in WA | $58,090 | +3.5% | $27.93/hr |
| Bookkeeper in WA | $58,620 | +4.4% | $28.18/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in WA | $58,900 | +4.9% | $28.32/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in WA | $59,160 | +5.4% | $28.44/hr |
| Medical Assistant in WA | $59,290 | +5.6% | $28.50/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in WA | $61,040 | +8.7% | $29.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Washington?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in Washington generally falls between $36,710 and $94,930 annually. This wide spectrum reflects variations in experience, location, and the establishment where they work.
How does the median salary for Washington's waiters and waitresses compare to the national average?
- Waiters and waitresses in Washington earn a median salary of $56,130, which is 65.3% higher than the national average. This substantial difference highlights Washington as a more lucrative state for this profession.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiter or Waitress in Washington?
- The estimated hourly rate for a Waiter and Waitress in Washington is $27. This is derived from the median annual salary of $56,130, providing a clear picture of their typical hourly compensation.
How many people work as waiters and waitresses in Washington?
- There are approximately 45,400 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses across the state of Washington. This indicates a significant job market for these roles within the service industry.