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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Rhode Island
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Rhode Island?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$35,420
Median Annual Salary
▼
-16.9% vs 2024
$42,740
Mean Salary
$35,420
Median Salary
$17.03
Hourly Rate
10,160 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in Rhode Island
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $35,420 per year ($2,951/month).
This is 4.3% above the national average of $33,965.
Rhode Island ranks #23 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 10,160 people work in this occupation across Rhode Island.
Salaries decreased by 16.9% 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 Rhode Island
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $62,680 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $50,840.
Median $35,420
P10: $31,200P25: $31,200P75: $50,840P90: $62,680
10th
$31,200
25th
$31,200
Median
$35,420
75th
$50,840
90th
$62,680
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
25th Percentile
$31,200
$15.00
$2,600
Median (50th)
$35,420
$17.03
$2,951
75th Percentile
$50,840
$24.44
$4,236
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$62,680
$30.13
$5,223
Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,740 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island is $35,420 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,740.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $62,680 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $31,200 and $50,840.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in Rhode Island typically start around $31,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $31,200 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 10,160 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island is approximately $17.03 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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