How Much Does a Bartender and Waitress make?

Bartender and Waitress made a median salary around $23,189 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $26,410 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $20,511. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Bartender and Waitress

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Bartender and Waitress profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $24,073
Carpenter, IA $24,073
Chester, IA $24,073
Grafton, IA $24,073
Joice, IA $24,073

Best-Paying States for Bartender and Waitress

The states and districts that pay Bartender and Waitress the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $26,828) , California (around $26,726) , Massachusetts (around $26,370) , Washington (around $26,273) , and New Jersey (around $26,263) .
District of Columbia $26,828
California $26,726
Massachusetts $26,370
Washington $26,273
New Jersey $26,263

What is the Career Path of Bartender and Waitress?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Sommelier.
Besides, Bartender and Waitress can also turn to other related jobs, including Waitress , Waitress - Institution , Head Waitress and Bar Waitress .

Frequently Asked Questions for Bartender and Waitress

Q: What is the salary range of Bartender and Waitress in Iowa?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Bartender and Waitress in Iowa earned an average annual salary of $20,511 , while the highest-paid made $26,410.
Q: What is the salary for a Bartender and Waitress in California?
A: Bartender and Waitress employed in California earned an average salary of $26,726 in 2025.

Average Bartender and Waitress Pay vs. Other Jobs

Bartender and Waitress earned an average salary of $23,189 in 2025. Other jobs related to Bartender and Waitress earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Waitress made $23,301 , Waitress - Institution made $30,113 , Head Waitress and Bar Waitress made $33,994 and $30,282 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Bartender and Waitress

Waitress - Average Salary $23,301
The Waitress explains menu item and terms and provides suggestions to customers when asked. Serves food and beverages to the customers promptly and follows the standards set by the facility. Being a Waitress typically reports to a supervisor or manager. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Being a Waitress may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.
Waitress - Institution - Average Salary $30,113
The Waitress - Institution ensures correct and prompt delivery of food. Responsible for taking and delivering food and beverage orders to diners in an institutional setting. Being a Waitress - Institution may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. May also be responsible for dish cleaning and sorting, garbage collecting as well as food preparation and light cooking. In addition, Waitress - Institution typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Waitress - Institution possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Head Waitress - Average Salary $33,994
There is currently no job description for Head Waitress, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Head Waitress.
Bar Waitress - Average Salary $30,282
There is currently no job description for Bar Waitress, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Bar Waitress.
Cocktail Waitress - Average Salary $20,922
There is currently no job description for Cocktail Waitress, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Cocktail Waitress.