NC · BLS OEWS 2024 · SOC 35-3031

Waiters and Waitresses Salary in North Carolina

Median Annual Salary $28,460 -16% below national average (national: $33,760)
$32,670Mean Annual
$14Median Hourly
74,110Employed in State

Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile

$28,460
$17,210
10th pct.
$58,390
90th pct.

Full Percentile Breakdown

PercentileAnnual WageHourly Wage
10th percentile (entry-level)$17,210$8.27
25th percentile$18,440$8.86
50th percentile (median)$28,460$13.68
75th percentile$39,600$19.04
90th percentile (top earners)$58,390$28.07
Mean (average)$32,670$15.71

How North Carolina Compares

StateMedian Annualvs. North Carolina
North Carolina (current) $28,460
Vermont $60,910 +114%
Hawaii $48,570 +71%
Washington $47,490 +67%
New York $46,460 +63%
District of Columbia $45,770 +61%
Maine $44,550 +57%
Rhode Island $42,600 +50%
New Hampshire $39,270 +38%

Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →

Related Occupations in North Carolina

OccupationMedian AnnualEmployment
Childcare Workers $28,480 12,200
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,230 32,010
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $28,700 1,970
Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,760 85,120
Animal Caretakers $28,900 10,810
Cashiers $27,930 115,170

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in North Carolina?

The mean waiters and waitresses salary in North Carolina is $32,670 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,460 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.

What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in North Carolina?

Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $17,210 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $18,440 per year.

What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in North Carolina?

Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $58,390 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $39,600 per year.

How does the North Carolina Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in North Carolina is $28,460, which is -16% below national average of $33,760.

Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release. All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education, employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes