Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Providence, RI-MA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Providence-Warwick, RI-MA

Median annual salary $36,590 +8.4% vs national
Median hourly $17.59
10th percentile $29,120
90th percentile $63,270
Employed locally 14,290
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    In Providence, RI-MA, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $36,590, which is approximately $17.59 per hour. This figure surpasses the national median for waiters and waitresses by about $2,830, highlighting a relatively higher earning potential in this local area compared to the U.S. average. When considering the broader economic context, it's notable that this median salary represents around 43% of the Providence area's median household income of $85,646. This comparison underscores the fact that waiters and waitresses in Providence earn less than half of what a typical household brings in annually, pointing to significant disparities in income distribution within the local economy.

    The earnings for waiters and waitresses vary significantly based on experience levels. Those at the 10th percentile earn approximately $29,120 per year, while those at the lower quartile (25th percentile) make about $30,240 annually. In contrast, experienced workers who are in the higher earning brackets can see substantial income increases. At the 75th percentile, a waiter or waitress earns around $50,180 per year, and those at the 90th percentile earn as much as $63,270 annually. This disparity is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, establishment type, hours worked, tips received, and geographical location within the Providence area. Entry-level workers typically start with lower earnings due to less experience and fewer shifts, while experienced staff benefit from accumulated skills, better shift allocations, and higher tip potential, contributing to a wider salary range within this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,120
    25th
    $30,240
    50th (median)
    $36,590
    75th
    $50,180
    90th
    $63,270

    Providence economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $85,646 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 43% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Providence, RI-MA is $17.59, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.14 or more per hour.

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

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Providence, RI-MA is 8.4% 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 Providence?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $29,120 per year in Providence, RI-MA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,240.