upper level job

How much does a Waitress make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $27,840
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $22,501 to $26,201
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $20,771

Key Factors That Influence Waitress Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Waitress Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Waitress0-1 years$24,393
Restaurant Assistant General Manager1-3 years$42,410
Restaurant Operations Manager3-5 years$57,235
Restaurant Sales/Operations Regional Manager5+ years$86,250
Casino Restaurant Operations Director5+ years$120,133

Top Paying Cities for Waitresses

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $30,801
  • San Francisco: $30,501
  • Oakland: $29,801

What Skills Can Increase a Waitress's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 11.92% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Point of Sale (Mentioned in 2.74% Job Postings): Accepting payments from customers for goods and services either in person or online.
  • Product Quality (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 11.92%
Point of Sale 2.74%
Product Quality 1.88%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Products and Services $30,745
26%
Problem Solving $25,133
3%
Collaboration $25,133
3%

Waitress Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Waitress Salary by Company Size

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

Waitress Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Waitress 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, Waitress positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Waitress as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Waitress

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$29,281$14.020%

Waitress Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$22,501
Average $24,401/year
$26,201
$1,875
Average $2,033/month
$2,183
$433
Average $469/week
$504
$11
Average $12/hour
$13
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

Waitress Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Waitress Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Waitress

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Waitress

Here are companies hiring for Waitress and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Waitress Job

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.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Waitress

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Waitress?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Waitress roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can waitresses make 100k a year?

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.

3. Do any waiters make 6 figures?

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.

4. How do waiters get paid?

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.

5. What is the highest paid server?

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.

6. Why do servers make 2.13 an hour?

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.

7. Is $20 an hour good in USA?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst