As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waitress - Institution in the United States is $31,653 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Waitress - Institution's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waitress - Institution'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Waitress - Institution'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Waitress - Institution | $31,480 |
| Intermediate Level Waitress - Institution | $31,740 |
| Senior Level Waitress - Institution | $32,241 |
| Specialist Level Waitress - Institution | $32,342 |
| Expert Level Waitress - Institution | $32,409 |
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 Waitress - Institutions. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.34% |
| Healthcare Services | 3.03% |
| POS System | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SOP
|
$37,034 |
17%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$33,869 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$33,869 |
7%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$33,869 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$33,552 |
6%
|
|
Commitment
|
$33,236 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Waitress - Institutions enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Waitress - Institution with a No Diploma is between $28,133 and $30,565).
Waitress - Institution Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.8% |
| High School | 52.8% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 26.0% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Waitress - Institution'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Waitress - Institution, 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 | $34,800 | 10% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 88% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 28% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 30% |
Salaries for a Waitress - Institution 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 Waitress - Institution 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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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waitress - Institution job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Waitresses typically earn between $28,453 and $36,723 annually, depending on experience and location. While some may earn higher in busy establishments or through tips, reaching $100,000 a year is uncommon in this profession. Most waitresses earn significantly less than that, with average salaries around $32,373.
Shift durations for waitresses can vary significantly, typically ranging from 4 to 8 hours. Factors such as the type of establishment and customer flow influence these durations. In the restaurant industry, waitresses earn between $28,453 and $36,723 annually, with a mid-salary of $32,373, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.
When considering waitress salaries in institutions, the pay typically ranges from $28,453 to $36,723 annually. Popular companies like The Cheesecake Factory and Outback Steakhouse offer competitive hourly rates, with some servers earning between $24 and $41 per hour. Other notable employers include Hyatt and Hilton, providing solid compensation within this range.
The pay for a waitress in an institution typically includes a base wage, known as the tipped wage, which is supplemented by tips. In this context, the salary ranges from a minimum of $28,453 to a maximum of $36,723, with a mid-salary of $32,373, reflecting the overall compensation structure for waitstaff.
Servers, including waitstaff, often earn a base wage that can be as low as $2.13 per hour, but their total earnings typically come from tips. For instance, the salary data for waitstaff in institutions shows a minimum salary of $28,453, a mid-salary of $32,373, and a maximum salary of $36,723 annually, reflecting the potential for higher earnings through tips.
As of January 2025, the salary for a Waitress in the USA ranges from a minimum of $28,453 to a maximum of $36,723 annually, with a mid-salary of $32,373. This reflects a typical pay scale for waitstaff in various institutions across the country.
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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