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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$29,660
Median Annual Salary
▲
+33.2% vs 2024
$35,410
Mean Salary
$29,660
Median Salary
$14.26
Hourly Rate
27,150 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky earn a median salary of $29,660 per year ($2,471/month).
This is 12.7% below the national average of $33,965.
Kentucky ranks #33 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 27,150 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries increased by 33.2% 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)
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky range from $16,520 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $62,030 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $18,170 and $45,710.
Median $29,660
P10: $16,520P25: $18,170P75: $45,710P90: $62,030
10th
$16,520
25th
$18,170
Median
$29,660
75th
$45,710
90th
$62,030
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$16,520
$7.94
$1,376
25th Percentile
$18,170
$8.74
$1,514
Median (50th)
$29,660
$14.26
$2,471
75th Percentile
$45,710
$21.98
$3,809
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$62,030
$29.82
$5,169
Note: The mean (average) salary of $35,410 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky is $29,660 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $35,410.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky range from $16,520 at the 10th percentile to $62,030 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $18,170 and $45,710.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in Kentucky typically start around $16,520 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $18,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 27,150 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky is approximately $14.26 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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