Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Reno, NV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Reno, NV

Median annual salary $24,150 -28.5% vs national
Median hourly $11.61
10th percentile $22,830
90th percentile $39,260
Employed locally 4,290
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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    In Reno, NV, the typical waiter or waitress earns a median annual salary of $24,150, with an hourly wage of approximately $11.61. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $33,760 annually. When comparing these earnings to the local household income in Reno, where the area median household income is reported at $84,684, it becomes evident that waiters and waitresses earn significantly less than the average household. This discrepancy highlights a substantial gap between typical earnings for this occupation and the broader economic landscape of the region.

    Entry-level workers in the field of waiting tables in Reno typically earn closer to the 10th percentile mark at $22,830 annually, whereas those with more experience can see their earnings rise towards or even surpass the 75th percentile, which is approximately $29,390 per year. The salary range expands significantly up to the 90th percentile at $39,260, indicating that experienced workers who may have developed additional skills such as management abilities or exceptional customer service expertise are more likely to command higher wages. Factors driving these differences include years of experience, proficiency in managing larger tables or coordinating with kitchen staff, and an ability to upsell services or products effectively. These elements contribute to the potential for higher earnings among seasoned waitstaff compared to their entry-level counterparts.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,830
    25th
    $23,480
    50th (median)
    $24,150
    75th
    $29,390
    90th
    $39,260

    Reno economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,684 2023 • Census ACS
    Waiters and Waitresses salary vs area income 29% Median Waiters and Waitresses salary is 71% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Reno, NV is $11.61, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.58 or more per hour.

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

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Reno, NV is 28.5% 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 Reno?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $22,830 per year in Reno, NV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,480.