North Carolina ranks 33rd of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $32,450 — a 114% gap.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.2% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (74,110 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $28,460 | n/a |
| 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
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.