Waiters and Waitresses Jobs Pay in New York, NY

Average Hourly Pay

$25.65
19.8%Below national average

Range: $25.65 - $25.65

Average Annual Pay

$53,352
19.8%Below national average

Range: $53,352 - $53,352

Entry-level
$45,349/per year
Top 10%
$53,352+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$25.65
19.8%Below national average

Range: $25.65 - $25.65

How much does a Waiter and Waitress make in New York, NY?

The average annual salary for a waiter and waitress in New York, NY is $53,352 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $25.65 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $1,026 per week or $4,446 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$45k
75th
$53k
Top 10%
$53k

Waiters and Waitresses salaries in New York, NY can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $53,352, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $53,352 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY — about $8,003 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for waiters and waitresses to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for waiters and waitresses around New York, NY

While the average salary for a waiters and waitresses in New York, NY is $53,352 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 6 cities report average waiters and waitresses salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, followed by New York-Newark-Jersey City and Binghamton, which also rank among the top-paying locations for waiters and waitresses in the state.

Albany-Schenectady-Troy stands out with waiters and waitresses earning around $4,262 more than the statewide average, or about 8% higher.

In New York-Newark-Jersey City and Binghamton, average salaries are about $2,351 higher than the New York, NY average, representing roughly a 4% increase.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, waiters and waitresses may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within New York, NY.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Waiters and Waitresses pay in New York, NY by experience level

Salaries for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$21.80/hrRange: $25.65 – $21.80
Annual Rate$45,349Range: $53,352 $45,349

Entry-level waiters and waitresses (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $53,352 – $45,349 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$25.65/hrRange: $21.80 – $29.50
Annual Rate$53,352Range: $45,349 $61,355

Mid-level waiters and waitresses (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $45,349 – $61,355 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$29.50/hrRange: $29.50 – $25.65
Annual Rate$61,355Range: $61,355 $53,352

Experienced waiters and waitresses (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $61,355 – $53,352 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of waiters and waitresses in New York, NY

Several factors can influence how much waiters and waitresses earn in New York, NY, even when the average salary is around $53,352 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $45,349, while experienced professionals can make $61,355+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

Estimated take-home pay

Calculate your take-home pay and understand your tax withholdings.1

Try calculator

FAQs about Waiter and Waitress in New York, NY

Do waiters and waitresses make good money in New York, NY?

Whether or not you think waiters and waitresses pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY is about $53,352 per year, or roughly $25.65 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $45,349 annually, while experienced workers can earn $61,355 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can waiters and waitresses make $60,000 a year in New York, NY?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $53,352, top-earning waiters and waitresses in New York, NY can make about $53,352 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $55,000 a good salary for a waiter and waitress in New York, NY?

A salary of $55,000 is close to the average for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY. Most professionals in this role earn between $45,349 and $61,355 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting waiter and waitress make in New York, NY?

Entry-level waiters and waitresses in New York, NY typically earn around $21.80/hr, which equals roughly $45,349 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified waiter and waitress make in New York, NY?

Licensed or certified waiters and waitresses in New York, NY earn about $53,352 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $45,349 and $61,355 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $53,352 or more.

What is the hourly pay for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY?

The average hourly pay for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY is about $25.65 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $21.80, while experienced professionals can earn $29.50+ per hour.

What is the salary range for waiters and waitresses in New York, NY?

Most waiters and waitresses in New York, NY earn between $45,349 and $61,355 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $53,352 annually.

How fast does pay increase for waiters and waitresses?

Pay for waiters and waitresses typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $45,349 early in their careers to $61,355+ after several years of experience.
Apple App Store4.8 ⭐️ on App 352.5K reviews
Google Play Store4.7 ⭐️ on Google 275K reviews
Trusted by professionals

19M+ people use EarnIn to access their wages early

Phone mockup showing EarnIn app
Waiters and Waitresses Pay in New York, New York | EarnIn