Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Spokane, WA

In Spokane, WA, waiters and waitresses typically earn a median annual salary of $45,530, with an average hourly wage of $21.89. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $33,760. When compared to the local area's median household income of $72,836, it becomes evident that waitstaff in Spokane earn a significant portion—approximately 62.5%—of what an average local household earns annually. This discrepancy highlights the potential financial challenges faced by those working as waiters and waitresses, particularly when considering that many households may rely on multiple incomes to meet their financial needs.

The earning spectrum for waiters and waitresses in Spokane is quite broad, with entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earning approximately $34,330 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn about $36,770. Conversely, individuals at the higher end of the pay scale can earn significantly more; for instance, those at the 75th percentile make around $51,670 annually, and top earners in the 90th percentile reach up to $79,930 per year. This wide range is influenced by factors such as experience, skills, shift differentials (e.g., working late hours or weekends), tips, and the type of establishment where they work. Experienced waitstaff may command higher wages due to their proficiency in customer service, efficiency, and ability to upsell menu items, thus contributing significantly more to a restaurant's revenue through both direct earnings and generated tips.