Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,080 | $7.25 |
| 25th percentile | $19,290 | $9.28 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,410 | $13.66 |
| 75th percentile | $38,470 | $18.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Mean (average) | $30,390 | $14.61 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $28,410 | — |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +114% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +71% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +67% |
| New York | $46,460 | +64% |
| 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 Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,340 | 10,940 |
| Telemarketers | $28,110 | 2,380 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $28,030 | 22,820 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $28,010 | 16,690 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,000 | 690 |
| Cashiers | $27,860 | 68,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Tennessee?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Tennessee is $30,390 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,410 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Tennessee?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $15,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $19,290 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $48,420 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,470 per year.
How does the Tennessee Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Tennessee is $28,410, 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