As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waitress in the United States is $24,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Waitress's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Waitress'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 Waitress'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Waitress | 0-1 years | $24,428 |
| Restaurant Assistant General Manager | 1-3 years | $42,405 |
| Restaurant Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $57,245 |
| Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager | 5+ years | $86,184 |
| Casino Restaurant Operations Director | 5+ years | $119,974 |
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 Waitresses. 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
|
$30,871 |
26%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$25,236 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$25,236 |
3%
|
|
Team Management
|
$25,236 |
3%
|
|
Food Safety
|
$24,746 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$24,746 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Waitress'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Waitress, 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 | 42% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 143% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 65% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 68% |
Salaries for a Waitress 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 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 Waitress and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Waitress job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Waitresses typically earn between $19,601 and $25,401 annually, with a mid-salary of $22,401. While some may earn higher through tips and bonuses, reaching $100,000 a year is uncommon in this profession. Most waitresses earn significantly less than that, primarily depending on the establishment and location.
While the average salary for waitresses ranges from $19,601 to $25,401, some high-end establishments may allow servers to earn significantly more. For instance, at Marea in New York, servers can potentially make up to $100,000 a year through a combination of alcohol sales, high table volume, and pooled tips, though this is not typical for all waitstaff.
Waitresses typically earn an hourly wage that can range from $19,601 to $25,401 annually, supplemented by tips. If their total earnings, including tips, do not meet the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, employers are required to compensate the difference to ensure fair pay.
The highest paid servers can earn significantly more than the average waitress salary, which ranges from $19,601 to $25,401 annually. While top companies like Gunther and I Love Sushi Seattle offer salaries between $60K and $105K, the average waitress salary reflects a more modest earning potential within the industry.
Servers often earn a base wage of $2.13 an hour due to the expectation that tips will significantly supplement their income. In many regions, this lower wage is offset by the potential for higher earnings through gratuities. For instance, waitresses typically earn between $19,601 and $25,401 annually, depending on their experience and the establishment's location.
A salary of $20 an hour translates to approximately $41,600 annually, which is below the average salary range for a waitress. The typical salary for waitresses ranges from $19,601 to $25,401, with a mid-salary of $22,401. Therefore, while $20 an hour is decent, it may not fully reflect the earning potential in this field.
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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