Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of waitresses that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of waitresses:
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Caterer/Server is the highest-paid type of waitress with an average salary of $33,737 and an average hourly rate of $16.22.
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The second highest-paying type of waitress is bartender server, with an average salary of $32,591.
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The average waitress salary is $24,770 per year, and the average hourly pay is $11.91.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a waitress, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of waitresses are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different 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 are employees who work in the restaurant’s bar area. They are responsible for assembling customers’ drink orders and serving these to customers. They should be sound drink mixers and must be familiar with cocktail combinations and other mixes. They should also know the ingredients of the restaurant’s drinks and should be able to use alternatives should specific components be unavailable. Some bartender servers engage in flairtending, a way of mixing drinks that entertains the guests waiting for their drinks.
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Fine Dining Server
Average Salary: $32,140
Fine dining servers the people who make your stay at a restaurant enjoyable. They deliver well-written orders for the kitchen to prepare and bring your food and beverage. Being a fine dining server is no easy task, as certain skill sets need to be met in order to become an effective dining server. An efficient server is detail-oriented, observant to the needs of the diners, and intuitive. An extensive knowledge of wines and other specific food categories may be required depending on the restaurant.
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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 is someone who makes and serves beverages and foods, such as coffee, tea, and sandwiches or baked goods. He or she should be able to explain menu items to customers to ensure customer satisfaction. Other responsibilities include knowing food and beverage quality controls and updating displays to attract customers. The core skills that a server/barista should possess include excellent listening and communication skills and the ability to cope up with a physically demanding work environment. A candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent could qualify for the position.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various waitress that pay the most followed by a more 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 published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for waitresses.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Waitress Jobs FAQs
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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, which is $ 16.22 hourly.
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What is a good salary for a waitress?
A good salary for a waitress is $24,770 or more. The average waitress salary is $24,770, so those making at least $24,770 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average waitress salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a waitress, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $24,770 average, as this includes all waitresses of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Waitress jobs pay well?
No, waitress jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some waitress jobs pay better than others, but the average waitress salary of $24,770 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many waitress jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of waitresses earning $0 a year on average.
Waitresses’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a waitress. Do your research on the going rate for a waitress in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do waitresses get paid the most?
Waitresses get paid the most in Arizona. In Arizona, waitresses earn an average annual salary of $29,566 and an average hourly wage of $14.21.
Following AZ, the states with the highest-paid waitresses are New York, West Virginia, and Colorado, with average annual salaries of $32,853, $26,407, and $26,884 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid 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.
