Waiters and Waitresses: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Waiters and Waitresses fall under the Food Preparation and Serving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Waiters and Waitresses earn a median salary of $35,230 per year, ranking in the top 98% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.0% job growth through 2035, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do waiters and waitresses earn?

The median annual wage for waiters and waitresses is $35,230. That puts waiters and waitresses at #805 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is waiters and waitresses a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for waiters and waitresses is +2.0%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 2.3M positions in 2024 to 2.3M in 2034, a net change of 46K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What education does my child need to become waiters and waitresse?

Many waiters and waitresses enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Dishwashers
  $34,810 median
• Bartenders
  $34,340 median
• Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
  $33,980 median
• Fast Food and Counter Workers
  $31,200 median
• Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
  $31,200 median
• Cooks, Fast Food
  $30,890 median

Common questions parents ask about waiters and waitresses