Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southern Michigan

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $34,150 +1.2% vs national
Median hourly $16.42
10th percentile $21,510
90th percentile $60,410
Employed locally 2,040
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
in
Southern Michigan
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,510
    25th
    $22,360
    50th (median)
    $34,150
    75th
    $45,700
    90th
    $60,410

    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

    Related occupations in Southern Michigan

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,110
    Cooks, Restaurant $31,940
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,690
    Bartenders $38,280
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,020
    Food Preparation Workers $28,970

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Southern Michigan?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Southern Michigan is $16.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.72 or more per hour.

    Is Southern Michigan above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Southern Michigan is 1.2% 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 Southern Michigan?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $21,510 per year in Southern Michigan. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,360.