Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Santa Fe, NM

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Fe, NM

Median annual salary $36,610 +8.4% vs national
Median hourly $17.60
10th percentile $27,990
90th percentile $63,490
Employed locally 1,750
National median $33,760

Compare Waiters and Waitresses salary & buying power

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Waiters and Waitresses
in
Santa Fe, NM
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $27,990
    25th
    $29,040
    50th (median)
    $36,610
    75th
    $50,970
    90th
    $63,490

    Santa Fe economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $74,689 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
    Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $60,840
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $53,460
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $48,480
    Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area $46,320
    Western Washington nonmetropolitan area $46,020
    Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area $45,030

    Related occupations in Santa Fe, NM

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$29,860
    Cooks, Restaurant$36,730
    Food Preparation Workers$34,910
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$45,750
    Bartenders$39,210
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$31,500

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Santa Fe?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Santa Fe, NM is $17.60, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.60 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Fe above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Santa Fe, NM 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 Santa Fe?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $27,990 per year in Santa Fe, NM. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,040.