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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$32,150
Median Annual Salary
▲
+13.0% vs 2024
$37,850
Mean Salary
$32,150
Median Salary
$15.46
Hourly Rate
71,940 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina earn a median salary of $32,150 per year ($2,679/month).
This is 5.3% below the national average of $33,965.
North Carolina ranks #27 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 71,940 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 13.0% 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 North Carolina
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina range from $17,140 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $62,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $20,800 and $48,550.
Median $32,150
P10: $17,140P25: $20,800P75: $48,550P90: $62,670
10th
$17,140
25th
$20,800
Median
$32,150
75th
$48,550
90th
$62,670
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$17,140
$8.24
$1,428
25th Percentile
$20,800
$10.00
$1,733
Median (50th)
$32,150
$15.46
$2,679
75th Percentile
$48,550
$23.34
$4,045
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$62,670
$30.13
$5,222
Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina is $32,150 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,850.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina range from $17,140 at the 10th percentile to $62,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $20,800 and $48,550.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in North Carolina typically start around $17,140 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $20,800 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 71,940 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina is approximately $15.46 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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