Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Kentucky
Median annual wage in Kentucky: $29,660 -15.8% vs national
Kentucky vs United States
| Kentucky | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $29,660 | $35,230 |
| Median hourly | $14.26 | $16.94 |
| Employment | 27,150 | 2,270,910 |
| Location quotient | 0.93 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (Kentucky) · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Reading the data
Employment density in Kentucky is 0.93x the national average — a below-average concentration of these roles in the local economy.
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $16,520, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $62,030 — a 3.8x gap between entry-level and top earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average waiters and waitresses salary in Kentucky?
The median annual wage in Kentucky is $29,660 ($14.26 per hour), per BLS OES May 2024 data.
How does Kentucky compare to the national average for waiters and waitresses?
The Kentucky median of $29,660 is 15.8% lower than the U.S. median of $35,230.
How many waiters and waitresses work in Kentucky?
Approximately 27,150 are employed in Kentucky, per BLS OES.