South Carolina ranks 50th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $42,380 — a 229% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,080 to $40,230 — a $25,150 spread, 43% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Waiters and Waitresses are more concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.29 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.29× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,080 | $7.25 |
| 25th percentile | $16,510 | $7.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $18,530 | $8.91 |
| 75th percentile | $27,900 | $13.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,230 | $19.34 |
| Mean (average) | $24,360 | $11.71 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $18,530 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +229% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +162% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +156% |
| New York | $46,460 | +151% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +147% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +140% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +130% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +112% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $18,390 | 11,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $22,020 | N/A |
| Telemarketers | $22,540 | 990 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $23,930 | 10,120 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $24,510 | 13,260 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $24,840 | 5,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Carolina?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in South Carolina is $24,360 per year. The median (middle) salary is $18,530 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Carolina?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $15,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $16,510 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $40,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $27,900 per year.
How does the South Carolina Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in South Carolina is $18,530, which is -45% below national average of $33,760.