As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waitperson in the United States is $24,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Waitperson's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waitperson's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Waitperson's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Waitperson | 0-1 years | $24,400 |
| Restaurant Assistant General Manager | 1-3 years | $42,409 |
| Restaurant Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $57,237 |
| Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager | 5+ years | $86,237 |
| Casino Restaurant Operations Director | 5+ years | $120,101 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Waitpersons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 11.92% |
| Point of Sale | 2.74% |
| Product Quality | 1.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$30,744 |
26%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$25,132 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$25,132 |
3%
|
|
Team Management
|
$25,132 |
3%
|
|
Food Safety
|
$24,644 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$24,644 |
1%
|
Waitperson salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $25,900. While startup companies pay approximate $21,987.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $21,987 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $23,236 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $25,035 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $25,900 |
For Waitperson roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Waitperson positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Waitperson as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $29,280 | $14.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Waitperson's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Waitperson, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | $34,700 | 42% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 144% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 66% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 69% |
Salaries for a Waitperson can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Waitperson salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $30,803 |
| 2024 | $30,654 |
| 2025 | $30,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Waitperson and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waitperson job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Waitperson roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Waitpersons typically earn between $19,570 and $25,340 annually, depending on experience and location. While it's possible for some to earn higher wages through tips and additional shifts, reaching $100,000 a year is uncommon in this profession. Most waitstaff earn significantly less than that range.
The highest paying job among waitpersons has a maximum salary of $25,340. The median salary stands at $22,370, while the minimum salary is $19,570. This data highlights the earning potential within the waitstaff profession, reflecting the range of compensation based on experience and location.
Servers often earn a base wage of $2.13 an hour, which is significantly lower than the minimum wage due to the expectation of tips. In many regions, tips can substantially increase their earnings, with total annual salaries typically ranging from $19,570 to $25,340. This system allows servers to earn a living wage through customer gratuities.
When considering waitperson salaries, the average pay ranges from $19,570 to $25,340 annually. Popular companies that tend to offer competitive wages include The Cheesecake Factory, Hyatt, and Outback Steakhouse, with hourly rates often falling between $20 and $36. These establishments are known for providing better compensation for their waitstaff.
A $20 an hour wage translates to approximately $41,600 annually, which is below the average salary for a waitperson. The salary data indicates a minimum of $19,570, a mid-range of $22,370, and a maximum of $25,340. Therefore, while $20 an hour is decent, it falls short of the mid-salary for waitstaff in the USA.
Yes, waiters in the USA do get paid. Based on salary data, the minimum salary for a waitperson is $19,570, the mid-salary is $22,370, and the maximum salary is $25,340 annually. This reflects a range of earnings that can vary significantly depending on location and experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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