Waiters and Waitresses pay in the US: what official BLS data shows
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median pay of $35,230 per year for waiters and waitresses (SOC 35-3031) for May 2025. The median is the midpoint: half of workers earn more and half earn less. Pay varies by state, employer and hours, so use the figures below as a starting range, not a promise.
At a glance
| Item | BLS figure | Reference period |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $35,230 per year | May 2025 |
| Range as BLS prints it | hourly: median $16.94, lowest 10 percent under $8.70, highest 10 percent over $31.12 | May 2025 |
BLS prints the 10th and 90th percentile for this occupation as hourly wages, so we show them as printed. The OEWS May 2025 estimates were released by BLS on May 15, 2026 (the BLS tables page shows that last-modified date), and BLS updates them once a year. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay tab, accessed 31 October 2026.
Which five states employ the most waiters and waitresses?
These are the five states with the highest employment of waiters and waitresses in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2025 estimates. We ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia by the employment figure BLS returns for SOC 35-3031.
| Rank | State | Employment, May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 229,970 |
| 2 | Florida | 207,180 |
| 3 | Texas | 199,610 |
| 4 | New York | 142,940 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 82,300 |
Employment shows where the most jobs are, not where pay is highest. For your own state's wage figures, open the BLS OEWS state tables and look up code 35-3031.
How wide is the pay range?
BLS prints this range per hour. The highest 10 percent earned more than $31.12 per hour and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.70, so the top is about 3.6 times the bottom (our arithmetic). That is the widest spread of the three occupation pages in this series, which is why the median of $16.94 per hour tells you less here than for most jobs. Ask an employer how pay is made up before you compare offers.
What this data leaves out
BLS defines OEWS wages as straight-time, gross pay, exclusive of premium pay. Per the OEWS definition, overtime, shift differentials and on-call pay are excluded, and so are year-end bonuses and the employer cost of benefits. Total earnings can be higher. See total compensation.
For offers, see how to research pay and salary negotiation steps.
Is there pay data for India?
BLS covers the United States only. We have not found an official government source that publishes pay by occupation for India, so LiveRec does not publish India pay figures for this role.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median pay for waiters and waitresses? BLS reports $35,230 per year for May 2025. Half of workers in the occupation earned more and half earned less.
Which state employs the most waiters and waitresses? In the OEWS May 2025 estimates, California has the highest employment, with 229,970 jobs.
How do I find pay for my state? Use the BLS OEWS state tables and look up code 35-3031.
Next step
Check the range, then browse current openings on LiveRec at search jobs.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Waiters and Waitresses: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/waiters-and-waitresses.htm#tab-5 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS tables: https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS frequently asked questions: https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)