Waiters and Waitresses Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and highest-paying US metros, from official BLS data.
The median salary for Waiters and Waitresses in the United States is $35,230 per year, about $17 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $27,750 and $47,110 a year.
Salary range
Highest-paying US metros for Waiters and Waitresses
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $82,550 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $61,620 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $56,730 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $54,870 |
| Bellingham, WA | $56,700 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $60,250 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $55,270 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $54,780 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $53,060 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $57,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in the US?
The median salary is $35,230 per year (about $17 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $27,750 and $47,110 a year.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour?
About $17 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $35,230 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Waiters and Waitresses?
Typical entry-level education: No formal credential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only: they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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