Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lexington, KY

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Lexington-Fayette, KY

Median annual salary $22,290 -34% vs national
Median hourly $10.72
10th percentile $16,130
90th percentile $57,910
Employed locally 5,110
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    In Lexington, KY, waiters and waitresses typically earn a median annual salary of $22,290, with an hourly rate of $10.72. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $33,760 annually. When compared to the local median household income of $70,717 in Lexington, it becomes evident that earnings for waiters and waitresses represent a smaller proportion of the typical household's total income. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by workers in this sector who may struggle to support themselves or their families on such salaries, especially given the relatively low unemployment rate of 4.20% in the area.

    Entry-level waiters and waitresses in Lexington generally earn closer to the 10th percentile at $16,130 annually, while those with more experience can make significantly higher wages, approaching the 75th percentile at $37,660 or even reaching the 90th percentile with earnings up to $57,910. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, ability to handle high-pressure environments effectively, customer service excellence, and additional responsibilities that may come with experience, such as managing staff or overseeing shifts. These elements contribute significantly to salary progression within the industry, allowing for considerable upward mobility over time for those who develop their skills and build a strong professional reputation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $16,130
    25th
    $16,790
    50th (median)
    $22,290
    75th
    $37,660
    90th
    $57,910

    Lexington economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $70,717 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 32% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 68% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Lexington, KY is $10.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.30 or more per hour.

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

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Lexington, KY is 34% 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 Lexington?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $16,130 per year in Lexington, KY. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $16,790.