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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$47,850
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.5% vs 2024
$59,510
Mean Salary
$47,850
Median Salary
$23.00
Hourly Rate
11,530 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $47,850 per year ($3,987/month).
This is 40.9% above the national average of $33,965.
District of Columbia ranks #5 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 11,530 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
Salaries increased by 4.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Waiters and Waitresses
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.5
Coordination
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.37
English Language
3.75
Sales and Marketing
3.47
Food Production
3.25
Administration and Management
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(57.0% of workers)
Salary Range: Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia range from $36,400 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $100,240 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $36,400 and $78,520.
Median $47,850
P10: $36,400P25: $36,400P75: $78,520P90: $100,240
10th
$36,400
25th
$36,400
Median
$47,850
75th
$78,520
90th
$100,240
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$36,400
$17.50
$3,033
25th Percentile
$36,400
$17.50
$3,033
Median (50th)
$47,850
$23.00
$3,987
75th Percentile
$78,520
$37.75
$6,543
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$100,240
$48.19
$8,353
Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,510 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#5
District of Columbia ranks #5 of 51 states
$33,965
National avg. for Waiters and Waitresses
+40.9%
vs. national average
Above Average
Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia is $47,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,510.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia range from $36,400 at the 10th percentile to $100,240 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $36,400 and $78,520.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in District of Columbia typically start around $36,400 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $36,400 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 11,530 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in District of Columbia is approximately $23.00 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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