Rhode Island ranks 7th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $18,310 — a 43% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $63,260 — a $34,140 spread, 22% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Waiters and Waitresses are more concentrated in Rhode Island than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.49 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.49× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $42,600 | $20.48 |
| 75th percentile | $52,900 | $25.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,260 | $30.42 |
| Mean (average) | $43,930 | $21.12 |
How Rhode Island Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (current) | $42,600 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +43% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +14% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +11% |
| New York | $46,460 | +9% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +7% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +5% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | -8% |
| New Jersey | $38,720 | -9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $42,700 | 1,260 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $42,390 | 120 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $42,930 | 330 |
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $42,950 | 2,450 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $42,970 | 1,070 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $42,230 | 550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Rhode Island?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Rhode Island is $43,930 per year. The median (middle) salary is $42,600 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Rhode Island?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Rhode Island typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,120 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Rhode Island?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Rhode Island make approximately $63,260 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $52,900 per year.
How does the Rhode Island Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Rhode Island is $42,600, which is +26% above national average of $33,760.