Highest-Paying Waitress Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has analyzed a combination of public government data, company insights, and thousands of job postings to present average salary estimates for waitress positions across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paying waitress roles based on average annual salaries.
Here are the findings for the highest-paying types of waitresses:
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Caterer/Server ranks as the highest-paid type of waitress, with an average salary of $33,737 and an hourly rate of $16.22.
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The second highest-paying role is Bartender Server, earning an average of $32,591 annually.
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The average salary for waitresses is $24,770 per year, translating to an hourly wage of $11.91.
Table Of Contents: Background | Salary Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary should not be the sole consideration, it is a crucial factor. If you’re aspiring to work as a waitress, understanding the highest-paid waitress roles can help you strategize your career advancement.
Here are the top salaries for various types of waitresses:
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Caterer/Server
Average Salary: $33,737
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Bartender Server
Average Salary: $32,591
Bartender servers work primarily in the bar area, mixing and serving drinks while ensuring customers enjoy their experience. Knowledge of cocktails and drink recipes is essential, and some may engage in flairtending to enhance customer entertainment.
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Fine Dining Server
Average Salary: $32,140
Fine dining servers ensure a memorable dining experience by accurately relaying orders and providing attentive service. They must possess strong knowledge of food and wine pairings, along with an ability to meet the diverse needs of diners.
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Customer Service And Serving
Average Salary: $31,909
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Server/Barista
Average Salary: $30,749
A server/barista prepares and serves beverages and food items, ensuring customer satisfaction by explaining menu options. They should have strong communication skills and be capable of working in a fast-paced environment.
Below is a table displaying the average pay for various waitress roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Waitresses
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterer/Server | |
| 2 | Bartender Server | |
| 3 | Fine Dining Server | |
| 4 | Customer Service And Serving | |
| 5 | Server/Barista | |
| 6 | Server | |
| 7 | Cook/Server | |
| 8 | Banquet Server | |
| 9 | Food Runner/Busser | |
| 10 | Server And Hostess | |
| 11 | Hostess | |
| 12 | Cocktail Server | |
| 13 | Beverage Server | |
| 14 | Host/Waiter | |
| 15 | Food Runner | |
| 16 | Food Server | |
| 17 | Waitstaff | |
| 18 | Cashier/Host | |
| 19 | Restaurant Server | |
| 20 | Bus Person |
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly available information from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company-released information to provide the most current salary data for waitresses.
Once collected, the team computes a weighted average for each job title to derive salary estimates. For more detailed insights into our salary methodology, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs About the Highest-Paying Waitress Jobs
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What is the highest-paid waitress job?
The highest-paid waitress job is a Caterer/Server. Caterer/Servers earn an average salary of $33,737, equating to $16.22 per hour.
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What is a good salary for a waitress?
A good salary for a waitress is $24,770 or higher. The average waitress salary is $24,770, meaning those earning this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, keep in mind that average salaries can vary by location as employers adjust compensation based on local cost of living. Be sure to research salary ranges specific to your area and level of experience for a clearer picture of your earning potential.
Additionally, for those just starting their careers as waitresses, the average entry-level salary may differ, so it’s important not to base expectations solely on the average figure.
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Do waitress jobs pay well?
Generally, waitress jobs do not pay high salaries. While some positions may offer better compensation than others, the average salary of $24,770 is lower than the national average salary of $44,225 per year.
Many waitresses can achieve high earnings, particularly in prime locations or busy establishments, with the top 10% of waitresses making significantly higher than average.
Compensation can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and geographical location, so consider these factors when applying for waitress positions. Conduct thorough research on local salary expectations to negotiate effectively.
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Where do waitresses earn the most?
Waitresses earn the most in Arizona. In Arizona, the average annual salary for waitresses is $29,566, with an hourly wage of $14.21.
Following Arizona, the states with the highest waitress salaries include New York, West Virginia, and Colorado, with average annual salaries of $32,853, $26,407, and $26,884, respectively.
The cities with the highest waitress salaries are:
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Washington, DC – $34,909
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New York, NY – $32,834
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Boston, MA – $30,983
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
