Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Nashville, TN

In Nashville, TN, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $30,300, with an hourly wage of approximately $14.57. This figure is slightly below the national median for waiters and waitresses, which stands at $33,760. When compared to the local area's median household income of $82,499, it becomes evident that waiting tables in Nashville generally offers earnings significantly lower than what most households earn annually. Despite this disparity, employment within this occupation remains robust, with an estimated 20,060 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses in the region, contributing to a local unemployment rate of just 2.80%.

The salary range for entry-level versus experienced waiters and waitresses in Nashville reflects significant variation based on experience and skill levels. At the lower end, those in the 10th percentile earn around $17,620 annually, while the 25th percentile sees wages at approximately $21,070 per year. In contrast, more seasoned professionals in the 75th percentile can earn up to $45,770 annually, with top earners (90th percentile) reaching salaries as high as $52,000. This disparity is driven by factors such as experience, restaurant prestige, location within Nashville, and additional skills or roles undertaken, such as management responsibilities or exceptional service recognition. As workers gain experience and possibly take on more complex tasks, their earnings potential increases, reflecting the demand for skilled service professionals in the hospitality industry.