Alabama ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $38,990 — a 178% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,950 to $35,560 — a $19,610 spread, 55% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Alabama employs roughly 1.2% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (28,540 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,950 | $7.67 |
| 25th percentile | $17,130 | $8.24 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $21,920 | $10.54 |
| 75th percentile | $28,020 | $13.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,560 | $17.09 |
| Mean (average) | $24,420 | $11.74 |
How Alabama Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | $21,920 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +178% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +122% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +117% |
| New York | $46,460 | +112% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +109% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +103% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +94% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +79% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Alabama
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $21,930 | 6,690 |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $21,750 | N/A |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $21,570 | 1,080 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $22,290 | 3,700 |
| Childcare Workers | $22,420 | 4,880 |
| Bartenders | $22,670 | 5,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Alabama?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Alabama is $24,420 per year. The median (middle) salary is $21,920 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Alabama?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Alabama typically earn around $15,950 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $17,130 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Alabama?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Alabama make approximately $35,560 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $28,020 per year.
How does the Alabama Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Alabama is $21,920, which is -35% below national average of $33,760.