Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Waiters and waitresses play a central role in the dining experience, combining customer service, communication, and physical stamina. Nationally, about 2,330,000 people work in this occupation, indicating a large, established workforce. The national median annual salary is $33,760, with higher median pay available in some states and metro areas. Although overall projected employment growth is -0.7%, there are still an estimated 457,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing hiring needs. This role can suit people who enjoy interacting with customers, staying active on their feet, and working in fast-paced environments. Key strengths include customer service, interpersonal skills, speaking and listening, and adaptability. Physical strength, stamina, and fine motor skills also contribute to success. For career explorers, this job can provide broad exposure to the hospitality environment and can connect to related roles such as dining room and cafeteria attendants, bartender helpers, hosts and hostesses, entertainment attendants, amusement and recreation attendants, and ushers or ticket takers.
The national median annual salary for waiters and waitresses is $33,760, but pay varies by location. Several top states offer higher median salaries, including Washington at $56,130, New York at $47,020, and Colorado at $44,860. California and Massachusetts also exceed the national median with $36,080 and $38,460, respectively. Among top metro areas, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV reports a median salary of $46,040, and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ reports $47,610. Washington state has both the highest listed state-level median salary and solid employment levels, while New York combines relatively high pay with large employment. These differences highlight the importance of geographic choice when considering earning potential in this field. Individuals comparing offers or planning relocations can use these salary figures, alongside opportunity scores, to evaluate where compensation may be stronger.
Waiters and waitresses have significant ongoing employment needs, even with a slightly negative projected growth rate. National employment stands at about 2,330,000, and projected employment growth is -0.7%. Despite this modest decline, there are an estimated 457,000 annual openings. This combination suggests that many positions become available each year through turnover and replacement needs, even if total employment is expected to edge down slightly. The negative growth rate is consistent across the highlighted states and metro areas, each showing -0.7% projected growth. For job seekers, this means opportunities are likely to continue, but competition and conditions can vary by region and employer. People entering this occupation can expect a large, well-established job market with frequent openings, and those already working in the role can use the employment and growth data to inform long-term planning or potential moves into related occupations such as hosts and hostesses or other attendant roles.
Location choices can significantly influence opportunity for waiters and waitresses. Among states, California has the largest listed employment at 229,970 and a median salary of $36,080, with an opportunity score of 67.38. New York combines a relatively high median salary of $47,020 with employment of 142,940 and an opportunity score of 65.78. Washington offers the highest state median salary shown, at $56,130, along with an opportunity score of 56.29. Massachusetts and Colorado also provide median salaries above the national level and opportunity scores above 55. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ stand out with opportunity scores above 77. San Jose offers a median salary of $41,920, while the New York metro shows $47,610 and employment of 138,720. Other metros such as San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also present strong combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores above 63.
This occupation typically does not require a formal educational credential, which can make it accessible to a wide range of job seekers, including those starting their first job or changing careers. Even without formal education requirements, certain skills strongly influence effectiveness and advancement potential. Important abilities include physical strength and stamina, which support the demands of being on your feet and handling items throughout a shift. Customer service, interpersonal skills, and speaking and listening are central to interacting with guests and coworkers. Fine motor skills contribute to precise, efficient work. Adaptability and leadership can help individuals handle changing situations and take on added responsibilities. Mechanical, mathematics, and science skills are also listed among the top skills, indicating that comfort with practical problem-solving and basic quantitative thinking can be beneficial. People considering this path can focus on building these skills through work experience, informal learning, and on-the-job training opportunities.
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