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Waiter and Waitress — Job Market — United States

Salary data, skills requirements, and demand insights for Waiter and Waitress roles — United States.

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026
Waiter and Waitress — Job Market — United States

The Waiter and Waitress job market in the United States offers a salary range of USD 26,423 to 47,561, with the mid-point at 35,230. The demand for individuals in this role is driven by the hospitality industry, particularly in upscale dining establishments and busy metropolitan areas. With approximately 424,000 annual openings, the role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to excel, making it a dynamic and customer-centric career choice in the service sector.

Market Overview

424,000 annual job openings (U.S.)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
$35,230 avg. annual salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Outlook: 5
10-year projection

Typical Candidate Profile

2-7 experience
Typical for this role
Bachelor's degree
Most common education

Most requested skills:

Communication Problem Solving inspect table settings maximise sales revenues schedule shifts
Based on U.S. occupation data (O*NET)

Salary Range

$26,423
Entry
$35,230
Mid-Level
$47,561
Senior
Entry
$26,423
Mid-Level
$35,230
Senior
$47,561
Based on U.S. national data (BLS)

Skills Employers Look For

In the United States, Waiters and Waitresses are valued for their communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail skills. These abilities are crucial for providing excellent customer service and maximizing sales revenues in a competitive dining market.

Most valued skills
Communication
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Additional skills that give candidates an edge
inspect table settings
maximise sales revenues
schedule shifts
train employees
Time Management

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Waiter and Waitress job market — United States.

The average salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in the United States varies from USD 26,423 to 47,561, influenced by factors such as the type of establishment and geographic location. Upscale restaurants and urban areas tend to offer higher compensation, while experience plays a key role in salary negotiation.

Communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail are the most in-demand skills for Waiters and Waitresses in the United States. These skills are essential for ensuring customer satisfaction, maximizing sales, and creating memorable dining experiences. Additionally, proficiency in inspecting table settings and effectively scheduling shifts is increasingly sought after in the evolving restaurant industry.

The career outlook for Waiters and Waitresses in the United States shows a projected growth rate of 5%, driven by the continuous demand for dining services across various industry sectors. Despite potential automation impacts on certain tasks, the human touch and personalized service provided by Waiters and Waitresses are expected to sustain the relevance and growth of this profession.

The Waiter and Waitress job market in the United States is competitive due to the high number of annual openings and the requirement for candidates to possess a bachelor's degree. Standout professionals differentiate themselves through a combination of strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a keen attention to detail, setting themselves apart in a crowded job market.

This data combines official labor statistics from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET with AI-enriched market analysis that includes salary surveys, employer preferences, and emerging industry trends. By cross-referencing multiple data streams, this methodology provides a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of the Waiter and Waitress job market in the United States.

To enhance your prospects as a Waiter or Waitress in the United States, focus on honing your communication and problem-solving skills, as these are highly valued in the industry. Consider gaining additional experience in inspecting table settings and mastering shift scheduling techniques to stand out to employers. Networking within the hospitality sector and showcasing a strong work ethic and attention to detail can also boost your competitiveness in the job market.
This site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor/ETA. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. | U.S. employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Skills data from ESCO