Waiters and Waitresses Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $23,400 -30.7% vs national
Median hourly $11.25
10th percentile $15,080
90th percentile $45,960
Employed locally 4,350
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $15,080
    25th
    $17,620
    50th (median)
    $23,400
    75th
    $36,860
    90th
    $45,960

    Top-paying metros for Waiters and Waitresses

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $71,920
    Burlington-South Burlington, VT $66,350
    Vermont $60,910
    Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $60,840
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $53,460
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $48,760

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,580
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,510
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,130
    Food Preparation Workers $26,750
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,900
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $27,390

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in East Tennessee?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in East Tennessee is $11.25, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.84 or more per hour.

    Is East Tennessee above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in East Tennessee is 30.7% 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 East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $15,080 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $17,620.