Kentucky ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $38,650 — a 174% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,880 to $50,200 — a $34,320 spread, 22% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Kentucky employs roughly 1.2% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (27,800 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,880 | $7.64 |
| 25th percentile | $16,830 | $8.09 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $22,260 | $10.70 |
| 75th percentile | $36,660 | $17.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,200 | $24.14 |
| Mean (average) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $22,260 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +174% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +118% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +113% |
| New York | $46,460 | +109% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +106% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +100% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +91% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +76% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Fast Food | $23,420 | 20,250 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $23,900 | 1,170 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $24,520 | 15,500 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $25,530 | 640 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $26,000 | 6,000 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,060 | 2,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Kentucky?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Kentucky is $29,120 per year. The median (middle) salary is $22,260 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kentucky?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $15,880 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $16,830 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $50,200 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,660 per year.
How does the Kentucky Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Kentucky is $22,260, which is -34% below national average of $33,760.