Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Waiters and waitresses (SOC 35-3031) employed 2,270,910 people in May 2025. The median pay is $35,230 a year ($16.94 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $18,100 and the highest-paid 10% more than $64,720. BLS projects its employment to change by +2.0% between 2025 and 2035 (about 423,100 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: No formal educational credential.
Highest median pay: Hawaii ($62,390), Vermont ($59,140), Washington ($56,130). Most jobs: California (229,970), Florida (207,180), Texas (199,610).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,100 | $8.70 |
| 25th percentile | $27,750 | $13.34 |
| Median | $35,230 | $16.94 |
| Mean | $40,060 | $19.26 |
| 75th percentile | $47,110 | $22.65 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $64,720 | $31.12 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 2,284,400 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 2,330,900 |
| Change in jobs | 46,500 |
| Percent change | +2.0% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 423,100 |
| Self-employed share | 0.1% |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 28,760 | 0.93 | $26,840 | $16,550 | $36,090 | -24% | 48% |
| Alaska | 3,830 | 0.80 | $26,310 | $24,770 | $64,080 | -25% | 66% |
| Arizona | 55,950 | 1.18 | $43,950 | $30,580 | $78,920 | +25% | 46% |
| Arkansas | 17,880 | 0.94 | $24,680 | $23,040 | $43,810 | -30% | 48% |
| California | 229,970 | 0.86 | $36,080 | $34,320 | $68,950 | +2% | 70% |
| Colorado | 40,680 | 0.97 | $44,860 | $30,800 | $78,160 | +27% | 49% |
| Connecticut | 22,370 | 0.90 | $37,770 | $34,010 | $72,060 | +7% | 49% |
| Delaware | 7,580 | 1.07 | $36,880 | $31,200 | $62,000 | +5% | 50% |
| District of Columbia | 11,530 | 1.12 | $47,850 | $36,400 | $100,240 | +36% | 48% |
| Florida | 207,180 | 1.43 | $36,150 | $27,230 | $63,580 | +3% | 60% |
| Georgia | 76,470 | 1.07 | $18,700 | $15,080 | $46,860 | -47% | 97% |
| Hawaii | 14,090 | 1.54 | $62,390 | $29,120 | $119,870 | +77% | 37% |
| Idaho | 10,950 | 0.87 | $30,050 | $16,770 | $62,220 | -15% | 55% |
| Illinois | 72,900 | 0.82 | $31,200 | $31,200 | $49,470 | -11% | 51% |
| Indiana | 43,620 | 0.93 | $28,480 | $17,640 | $48,350 | -19% | 47% |
| Iowa | 22,410 | 0.98 | $21,000 | $15,080 | $47,980 | -40% | 56% |
| Kansas | 19,480 | 0.93 | $36,120 | $17,370 | $62,890 | +3% | 36% |
| Kentucky | 27,150 | 0.93 | $29,660 | $16,520 | $62,030 | -16% | 40% |
| Louisiana | 33,870 | 1.20 | $15,080 | $15,080 | $38,060 | -57% | 85% |
| Maine | 9,090 | 0.97 | $43,370 | $30,490 | $82,930 | +23% | 33% |
| Maryland | 38,120 | 0.94 | $36,750 | $31,200 | $62,210 | +4% | 56% |
| Massachusetts | 54,670 | 1.03 | $38,460 | $31,790 | $62,200 | +9% | 58% |
| Michigan | 65,090 | 1.01 | $37,760 | $25,960 | $64,350 | +7% | 37% |
| Minnesota | 37,630 | 0.87 | $25,470 | $23,150 | $41,800 | -28% | 61% |
| Mississippi | 15,190 | 0.89 | $21,370 | $15,330 | $39,420 | -39% | 56% |
| Missouri | 41,640 | 0.97 | $29,400 | $28,600 | $61,440 | -17% | 44% |
| Montana | 7,200 | 0.96 | $23,370 | $21,940 | $45,420 | -34% | 60% |
| Nebraska | 13,310 | 0.89 | $33,770 | $28,080 | $59,420 | -4% | 39% |
| Nevada | 42,520 | 1.88 | $26,410 | $24,960 | $50,140 | -25% | 78% |
| New Hampshire | 10,030 | 1.01 | $38,430 | $21,060 | $72,810 | +9% | 49% |
| New Jersey | 55,800 | 0.89 | $44,960 | $32,220 | $78,510 | +28% | 48% |
| New Mexico | 12,740 | 1.00 | $36,920 | $26,670 | $69,410 | +5% | 36% |
| New York | 142,940 | 1.01 | $47,020 | $33,540 | $83,210 | +33% | 42% |
| North Carolina | 71,940 | 1.00 | $32,150 | $17,140 | $62,670 | -9% | 50% |
| North Dakota | 5,250 | 0.84 | $30,890 | $18,470 | $60,570 | -12% | 38% |
| Ohio | 77,250 | 0.95 | $36,700 | $23,820 | $63,740 | +4% | 36% |
| Oklahoma | 27,000 | 1.08 | $17,910 | $15,230 | $47,630 | -49% | 70% |
| Oregon | 23,040 | 0.80 | $48,410 | $31,200 | $77,620 | +37% | 40% |
| Pennsylvania | 82,300 | 0.93 | $34,690 | $18,400 | $61,780 | -2% | 43% |
| Rhode Island | 10,160 | 1.39 | $35,420 | $31,200 | $62,680 | +1% | 48% |
| South Carolina | 47,200 | 1.40 | $18,370 | $15,080 | $46,820 | -48% | 83% |
| South Dakota | 7,350 | 1.10 | $28,990 | $27,030 | $37,290 | -18% | 41% |
| Tennessee | 52,120 | 1.09 | $27,760 | $15,080 | $47,660 | -21% | 56% |
| Texas | 199,610 | 0.97 | $23,240 | $17,070 | $47,590 | -34% | 76% |
| Utah | 17,790 | 0.70 | $31,150 | $18,550 | $60,320 | -12% | 61% |
| Vermont | 4,040 | 0.91 | $59,140 | $29,690 | $89,330 | +68% | 27% |
| Virginia | 59,370 | 0.99 | $44,760 | $28,270 | $74,130 | +27% | 44% |
| Washington | 45,400 | 0.88 | $56,130 | $36,710 | $94,930 | +59% | 39% |
| West Virginia | 8,600 | 0.84 | $35,380 | $20,230 | $60,560 | +0% | 30% |
| Wisconsin | 36,220 | 0.84 | $29,670 | $16,830 | $61,770 | -16% | 46% |
| Wyoming | 3,620 | 0.88 | $23,920 | $18,000 | $56,260 | -32% | 50% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | 2,700 | $82,550 | $32,430 | $135,660 | 2.50 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 1,510 | $61,620 | $30,200 | $89,130 | 0.86 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 8,550 | $60,250 | $29,120 | $101,690 | 1.31 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 26,530 | $57,280 | $36,730 | $95,940 | 0.87 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 340 | $56,730 | $38,590 | $79,340 | 0.90 |
| Bellingham, WA | 1,450 | $56,700 | $36,670 | $89,830 | 1.09 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 1,370 | $55,270 | $38,410 | $96,620 | 1.00 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 410 | $54,870 | $37,510 | $81,030 | 0.68 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 13,910 | $54,780 | $33,980 | $81,630 | 0.79 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 830 | $53,060 | $37,910 | $81,410 | 1.08 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 1,410 | $53,000 | $36,330 | $92,670 | 0.74 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 1,510 | $51,460 | $35,340 | $89,410 | 0.80 |
| Bend, OR | 1,750 | $50,480 | $31,500 | $76,310 | 1.11 |
| Medford, OR | 1,130 | $50,440 | $30,640 | $72,790 | 0.87 |
| Boulder, CO | 2,670 | $49,870 | $33,800 | $80,920 | 0.95 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 960 | $49,820 | $37,570 | $93,210 | 1.28 |
| Yakima, WA | 1,000 | $49,060 | $34,740 | $78,410 | 0.71 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 6,310 | $48,980 | $32,240 | $80,500 | 0.96 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 330 | $48,950 | $30,910 | $76,070 | 0.74 |
| Salem, OR | 1,850 | $48,720 | $31,300 | $74,850 | 0.67 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 3,420 | $48,560 | $35,930 | $81,500 | 0.91 |
| Syracuse, NY | 3,430 | $47,640 | $32,240 | $79,750 | 0.78 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 138,720 | $47,610 | $33,810 | $95,610 | 1.00 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 39,920 | $47,530 | $30,850 | $79,780 | 1.15 |
| Albany, OR | 380 | $47,440 | $30,470 | $74,280 | 0.56 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 2,740 | $47,360 | $30,800 | $77,380 | 1.11 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 3,930 | $46,950 | $33,500 | $79,740 | 1.00 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 1,680 | $46,640 | $28,900 | $78,210 | 1.87 |
| Binghamton, NY | 1,390 | $46,600 | $32,240 | $80,680 | 0.98 |
| Corvallis, OR | 520 | $46,600 | $30,540 | $70,190 | 0.92 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 7,990 | $46,580 | $32,240 | $86,590 | 1.02 |
| Greeley, CO | 1,300 | $46,480 | $30,800 | $77,810 | 0.75 |
| Kingston, NY | 1,280 | $46,440 | $32,240 | $76,620 | 1.48 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 4,330 | $46,230 | $30,800 | $78,220 | 0.94 |
| Elmira, NY | 480 | $46,160 | $32,240 | $74,470 | 0.98 |
| Ithaca, NY | 620 | $46,090 | $32,410 | $78,100 | 0.89 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 46,160 | $46,040 | $31,880 | $81,060 | 1.01 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 1,790 | $45,950 | $32,240 | $76,220 | 1.04 |
| Bangor, ME | 900 | $45,610 | $30,470 | $91,180 | 0.85 |
| Pueblo, CO | 850 | $45,500 | $30,800 | $77,200 | 0.94 |
| Rochester, NY | 6,070 | $45,310 | $32,240 | $80,400 | 0.84 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | 930 | $44,920 | $25,960 | $62,080 | 1.02 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 1,150 | $44,760 | $27,420 | $75,660 | 1.20 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 5,070 | $44,070 | $31,130 | $87,790 | 1.20 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 2,140 | $44,030 | $28,700 | $77,230 | 1.28 |
| Flint, MI | 2,120 | $44,030 | $26,190 | $63,200 | 1.07 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 990 | $43,900 | $32,240 | $79,170 | 1.35 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 1,020 | $43,730 | $30,800 | $76,270 | 1.04 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 450 | $43,130 | $30,470 | $80,540 | 0.65 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | 1,950 | $42,930 | $30,350 | $73,840 | 0.85 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 8,080 | $42,930 | $27,140 | $73,590 | 0.92 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 12,600 | $41,920 | $37,340 | $97,730 | 0.76 |
| Traverse City, MI | 1,610 | $41,380 | $26,820 | $64,020 | 1.61 |
| Bay City, MI | 570 | $40,500 | $25,960 | $62,220 | 1.15 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 2,710 | $40,230 | $27,420 | $71,790 | 0.84 |
| Jackson, MI | 810 | $39,920 | $25,960 | $63,840 | 1.00 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 20,750 | $39,650 | $31,010 | $78,380 | 0.88 |
| Saginaw, MI | 1,470 | $39,430 | $25,960 | $62,860 | 1.26 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 41,570 | $39,270 | $31,930 | $64,150 | 1.05 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 13,100 | $39,020 | $27,860 | $70,850 | 1.18 |
The median is $35,230 a year ($16.94 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $18,100 and the highest-paid tenth over $64,720 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
2,270,910 in May 2025, and BLS projects +2.0% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: No formal educational credential (BLS).
Hawaii, with a median of $62,390 (among states with published figures).