Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Little Rock, AR

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR

Median annual salary $26,470 -21.6% vs national
Median hourly $12.73
10th percentile $22,880
90th percentile $44,880
Employed locally 5,760
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    In Little Rock, AR, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $26,470, which translates to approximately $12.73 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for waiters and waitresses, which stands at $33,760 annually. When compared to the area's median household income of $65,309, the earnings of waiters and waitresses represent a smaller fraction of the local average income, highlighting the financial challenges faced by individuals in this occupation relative to overall economic conditions in the region.

    Salaries for waiters and waitresses in Little Rock vary widely depending on experience levels. Entry-level workers, who fall within the 10th percentile range, earn around $22,880 annually. In contrast, those at the higher end of the pay scale (90th percentile) can expect to make approximately $44,880 per year. The significant disparity between these figures is driven by factors such as years of experience, hours worked, and performance incentives like tips. Experienced workers typically earn closer to or above the 75th percentile mark, at about $29,670 annually, reflecting their ability to secure better shifts, more consistent clientele, and possibly additional benefits from employers who value veteran staff.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,880
    25th
    $23,770
    50th (median)
    $26,470
    75th
    $29,670
    90th
    $44,880

    Little Rock economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $65,309 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 41% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 59% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Little Rock?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Little Rock, AR is $12.73, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.43 or more per hour.

    Is Little Rock above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Little Rock, AR is 21.6% 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 Little Rock?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $22,880 per year in Little Rock, AR. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,770.