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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in New York
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in New York?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$47,020
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.2% vs 2024
$54,750
Mean Salary
$47,020
Median Salary
$22.61
Hourly Rate
142,940 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in New York
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in New York
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in New York earn a median salary of $47,020 per year ($3,918/month).
This is 38.4% above the national average of $33,965.
New York ranks #6 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 142,940 people work in this occupation across New York.
Salaries increased by 1.2% 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 New York range from $33,540 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $83,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,520 and $64,480.
Median $47,020
P10: $33,540P25: $34,520P75: $64,480P90: $83,210
10th
$33,540
25th
$34,520
Median
$47,020
75th
$64,480
90th
$83,210
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$33,540
$16.12
$2,795
25th Percentile
$34,520
$16.60
$2,876
Median (50th)
$47,020
$22.61
$3,918
75th Percentile
$64,480
$31.00
$5,373
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$83,210
$40.00
$6,934
Note: The mean (average) salary of $54,750 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in New York?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in New York is $47,020 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $54,750.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in New York range from $33,540 at the 10th percentile to $83,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,520 and $64,480.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in New York typically start around $33,540 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,520 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 142,940 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in New York.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York is approximately $22.61 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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