Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Albuquerque, NM

In Albuquerque, NM, the typical worker in the occupation of waiters and waitresses earns a median annual salary of $31,490, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $15.14. This is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $33,760. When compared to the local area's median household income of $67,995, it becomes evident that individuals working as waiters and waitresses earn significantly less than the typical Albuquerque household. Despite the relatively low unemployment rate in the area at 3.90%, those employed in this field face challenges in reaching financial benchmarks common within their communities.

Earnings for waiters and waitresses in Albuquerque can vary widely based on experience level, with entry-level workers generally earning closer to the 10th percentile of $26,470 annually, while more experienced professionals might earn upwards of the 75th percentile at $46,930 or even approach the 90th percentile of $60,590. This substantial difference in earnings is driven by several factors including experience, skill level, and working hours. Additionally, those who have established a significant rapport with customers or have demonstrated exceptional service may receive higher tips, contributing to an overall increase in their compensation compared to their entry-level counterparts.