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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in New Jersey
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in New Jersey?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$44,960
Median Annual Salary
▲
+16.1% vs 2024
$50,260
Mean Salary
$44,960
Median Salary
$21.62
Hourly Rate
55,800 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in New Jersey
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey earn a median salary of $44,960 per year ($3,746/month).
This is 32.4% above the national average of $33,965.
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 55,800 people work in this occupation across New Jersey.
Salaries increased by 16.1% 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 New Jersey
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey range from $32,220 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,510 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,710 and $56,410.
Median $44,960
P10: $32,220P25: $35,710P75: $56,410P90: $78,510
10th
$32,220
25th
$35,710
Median
$44,960
75th
$56,410
90th
$78,510
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$32,220
$15.49
$2,685
25th Percentile
$35,710
$17.17
$2,975
Median (50th)
$44,960
$21.62
$3,746
75th Percentile
$56,410
$27.12
$4,700
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$78,510
$37.75
$6,542
Note: The mean (average) salary of $50,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey is $44,960 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $50,260.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey range from $32,220 at the 10th percentile to $78,510 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,710 and $56,410.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in New Jersey typically start around $32,220 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,710 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 55,800 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey is approximately $21.62 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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