Texas ranks 35th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $32,980 — a 118% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $17,710 to $49,200 — a $31,490 spread, 28% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Texas employs roughly 9.1% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (210,170 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $17,710 | $8.52 |
| 25th percentile | $18,920 | $9.10 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| 75th percentile | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,200 | $23.66 |
| Mean (average) | $31,730 | $15.26 |
How Texas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (current) | $27,930 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +118% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +74% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +70% |
| New York | $46,460 | +66% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +64% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +60% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +53% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +41% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Texas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $28,100 | 4,340 |
| Bartenders | $27,750 | 57,990 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $27,630 | 110,510 |
| Cashiers | $28,310 | 266,210 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,370 | 22,470 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,520 | 45,020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Texas?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Texas is $31,730 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,930 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Texas?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Texas typically earn around $17,710 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $18,920 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Texas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Texas make approximately $49,200 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,770 per year.
How does the Texas Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Texas is $27,930, which is -17% below national average of $33,760.