Waiters and Waitresses Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for waiters and waitresses in the United States was $16.94, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $8.70 |
| 25th | $13.34 |
| Median | $16.94 |
| 75th | $22.65 |
| 90th | $31.12 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do waiters and waitresses make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $16.94; the mean hourly wage is $19.26.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for waiters and waitresses?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $8.70 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for waiters and waitresses?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $31.12 per hour.