What is the average hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses?

The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses is $13.50 per hour. This translates to approximately $28,080 per year working full-time.

What states pay Waiters and Waitresses the most?

Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a waiters and waitresse?

Typical education required: No formal credential.

Waiters and Waitresses Salary

Name: Waiters and Waitresses Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$28,080

$13.50 / hour

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Salary Range

$14,882 - $48,298

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

2,133,080

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Waiters and Waitresses Salary by Percentile

$14,882 $48,298

10th pct Median: $28,080 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$14,882	$7.15
25th Percentile	$20,218	$9.72
50th (Median)	$28,080	$13.50
75th Percentile	$38,750	$18.63
90th (Top Earners)	$48,298	$23.22
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Waiters and Waitresses

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$37,066	$17.82
2	California (CA)	$35,100	$16.88
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$34,258	$16.47
4	New York (NY)	$34,258	$16.47
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$33,696	$16.20
6	Connecticut (CT)	$33,134	$15.93
7	Maryland (MD)	$33,134	$15.93
8	Hawaii (HI)	$32,292	$15.53
9	Alaska (AK)	$31,450	$15.12
10	Washington (WA)	$31,450	$15.12
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Waiters and Waitresses

Waiters and Waitresses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: No formal credential

Job Outlook for Waiters and Waitresses

Projected Growth

+7%

2022-2032

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings

1,505,900

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Waiters and Waitresses make?

The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses is $28,080 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $14,882, while the top 10% earn $48,298 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses?

Waiters and Waitresses earn a median hourly wage of $13.50 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $28,080 annually.

Is Waiters and Waitresses a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $28,080, Waiters and Waitresses represents a viable career path. Job outlook: Faster than average (7% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Waiters and Waitresses need?

Typical entry-level education: No formal credential. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.