As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Waitress in the United States is $24,401 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:
Waitress Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $26,201 | $2,183 | $504 | $13 |
| Average | $24,401 | $2,033 | $469 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,501 | $1,875 | $433 | $11 |
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 | $24,393 |
| Restaurant Assistant General Manager | 1-3 years | $42,410 |
| Restaurant Operations Manager | 3-5 years | $57,235 |
| Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager | 5+ years | $86,250 |
| Casino Restaurant Operations Director | 5+ years | $120,133 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 11.92% |
| Point of Sale | 2.74% |
| Product Quality | 1.88% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Waitress's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Products and Services | $30,745 | |
| Problem Solving | $25,133 | |
| Collaboration | $25,133 |
Waitress salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $25,869. While startup companies pay approximate $21,956.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $21,956 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $23,204 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $25,003 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $25,869 |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $26,201 | $2,183 | $504 | $13 |
| Average | $24,401 | $2,033 | $469 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,501 | $1,875 | $433 | $11 |
Promotions 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 | $33,600 | 38% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 144% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $38,600 | 58% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 69% |
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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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Waitress roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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