New York ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $14,450 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,900 to $84,810 — a $52,910 spread, 20% wider than the national $44,010 range.
New York employs roughly 6.1% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (140,890 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| 25th percentile | $33,540 | $16.13 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| 75th percentile | $62,590 | $30.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,810 | $40.77 |
| Mean (average) | $53,360 | $25.65 |
How New York Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New York |
|---|---|---|
| New York (current) | $46,460 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +31% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +5% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +2% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | -1% |
| Maine | $44,550 | -4% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | -8% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | -15% |
| New Jersey | $38,720 | -17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New York
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $46,490 | 4,800 |
| Printing Press Operators | $46,600 | 7,200 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $46,680 | 58,340 |
| Library Technicians | $46,700 | 4,070 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $46,210 | 40,700 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $46,160 | 970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in New York?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in New York is $53,360 per year. The median (middle) salary is $46,460 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in New York typically earn around $31,900 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,540 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in New York?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New York make approximately $84,810 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,590 per year.
How does the New York Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in New York is $46,460, which is +38% above national average of $33,760.