New Jersey ranks 9th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $22,190 — a 57% gap.
New Jersey employs roughly 2.5% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (56,560 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,590 | $15.19 |
| 25th percentile | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,720 | $18.62 |
| 75th percentile | $58,010 | $27.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,090 | $38.02 |
| Mean (average) | $49,510 | $23.80 |
How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | $38,720 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +57% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +25% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +23% |
| New York | $46,460 | +20% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +18% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +15% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +10% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +1% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Jersey
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | $38,720 | 37,970 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $38,710 | 4,890 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $38,610 | 18,040 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $38,870 | 4,480 |
| Tire Repairers and Changers | $38,560 | 1,490 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $38,890 | 14,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in New Jersey?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in New Jersey is $49,510 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,720 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in New Jersey?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in New Jersey typically earn around $31,590 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,700 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in New Jersey?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Jersey make approximately $79,090 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $58,010 per year.
How does the New Jersey Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in New Jersey is $38,720, which is +15% above national average of $33,760.