Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Raleigh, NC

In Raleigh, NC, waiters and waitresses earn a median annual salary of $29,450, which equates to approximately $14.16 per hour. This is notably lower than the national median for the same occupation, standing at $33,760 annually. When compared to local household income in Raleigh, the earnings of typical workers in this field fall significantly short; the area's median household income is recorded at $96,066. Consequently, waiters and waitresses in Raleigh earn roughly 30% less than the average household income in their locality, highlighting a considerable disparity between service industry wages and broader local economic standards.

Earnings for waiters and waitresses in Raleigh can vary widely based on experience. Entry-level workers often find themselves closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, with earnings around the 10th percentile at $17,530 annually. In contrast, more experienced staff who have developed specialized skills or accrued tenure may earn up to the 75th percentile, receiving around $39,480 per year. Top earners in this occupation, those within the 90th percentile, can make as much as $59,220 annually. The significant differences in earnings are largely driven by factors such as years of experience, work environment (e.g., upscale restaurants versus casual dining), hours worked, and additional skills like language proficiency or culinary expertise that may be required for certain roles. These elements collectively influence the earning potential within this occupation in Raleigh.