Louisiana ranks 51st of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $44,030 — a 261% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,080 to $43,690 — a $28,610 spread, 35% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Louisiana employs roughly 1.4% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (33,170 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,080 | $7.25 |
| 25th percentile | $15,080 | $7.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $16,880 | $8.11 |
| 75th percentile | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,690 | $21.01 |
| Mean (average) | $24,240 | $11.66 |
How Louisiana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (current) | $16,880 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +261% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +188% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +181% |
| New York | $46,460 | +175% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +171% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +164% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +152% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +133% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Louisiana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $19,620 | 8,960 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $20,650 | 6,610 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $21,170 | 42,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $21,550 | 4,350 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $21,940 | 2,120 |
| Childcare Workers | $22,100 | 9,150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Louisiana?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Louisiana is $24,240 per year. The median (middle) salary is $16,880 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Louisiana?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Louisiana typically earn around $15,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $15,080 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Louisiana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Louisiana make approximately $43,690 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $29,070 per year.
How does the Louisiana Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Louisiana is $16,880, which is -50% below national average of $33,760.