Tennessee ranks 34th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $32,500 — a 114% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,080 to $48,420 — a $33,340 spread, 24% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.3% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (53,400 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.