Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Olympia, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA

Median annual salary $46,280 +37.1% vs national
Median hourly $22.25
10th percentile $35,110
90th percentile $82,090
Employed locally 1,380
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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Olympia, WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,110
    25th
    $43,340
    50th (median)
    $46,280
    75th
    $58,460
    90th
    $82,090

    Olympia economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,985 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 49% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 51% below the area median household income

    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

    Nearby metros — Waiters and Waitresses salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $71,920
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $48,760
    Hawaii $48,570
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $48,480
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $47,560
    Washington $47,490

    Related occupations in Olympia, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $35,710
    Cooks, Restaurant $39,170
    Food Preparation Workers $37,810
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $48,030
    Bartenders $46,020
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $34,790

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Olympia, WA is $22.25, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $44.55 or more per hour.

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

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Olympia, WA is 37.1% above 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 Olympia?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $35,110 per year in Olympia, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,340.