Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Atlanta, GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Median annual salary $20,270 -40% vs national
Median hourly $9.75
10th percentile $15,080
90th percentile $48,070
Employed locally 43,170
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    In Atlanta, GA, waiters and waitresses earn a median annual salary of $20,270, which translates to a median hourly wage of $9.75. This figure is significantly lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $33,760. Compared to the local area's median household income of $86,338, the earnings of waiters and waitresses represent a modest proportion, highlighting a substantial disparity between typical worker earnings in this role and broader household financial benchmarks within Atlanta.

    The salary range for waiters and waitresses in Atlanta varies widely based on experience level. Entry-level positions tend to align with lower percentiles; for instance, individuals at the 10th percentile earn about $15,080 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $16,290. Conversely, experienced workers can achieve significantly higher earnings, as seen in the 75th and 90th percentiles, where annual salaries reach $36,210 and $48,070 respectively. This disparity is driven primarily by factors such as tenure, location within high-traffic establishments, skill level, and additional responsibilities assumed over time. As workers gain experience and expertise, they often access better-paying opportunities, contributing to the observed salary differences between entry-level and seasoned waitstaff.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $15,080
    25th
    $16,290
    50th (median)
    $20,270
    75th
    $36,210
    90th
    $48,070

    Atlanta economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,338 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 23% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 77% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Atlanta?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Atlanta, GA is $9.75, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.50 or more per hour.

    Is Atlanta above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Atlanta, GA is 40% below the national median of $33,760. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Atlanta?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $15,080 per year in Atlanta, GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $16,290.