Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Boston, MA-NH

In Boston, MA-NH, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $37,040, which is approximately $17.81 per hour. This figure surpasses the national median annual salary for waiters and waitresses by $3,280, reflecting a relatively higher earning potential in this metropolitan area compared to the broader U.S. workforce. When considering local economic conditions, the median income for these workers is significantly lower than the area's median household income of $112,484. This disparity highlights that while waitstaff positions contribute to employment opportunities within the region—where there are about 38,520 individuals employed in this occupation—the earnings are substantially less than what many households earn on average.

The salary range for waiters and waitresses varies widely based on experience levels, with entry-level workers typically earning near the 10th percentile mark of $31,980 annually. As these professionals gain more experience, their earning potential increases significantly; those in the 25th percentile make about $34,490 per year. This growth is even more pronounced for seasoned waiters and waitresses who reach the 75th percentile, earning approximately $50,820 annually, or up to $75,110 at the 90th percentile. The differences in earnings are driven by several factors, including tenure in the position, the establishment's reputation and clientele, geographic location within the area, and individual skill levels such as customer service proficiency and upselling techniques. These elements collectively influence the trajectory of income progression from entry-level to experienced positions in this field.