Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Western North Carolina

In Western North Carolina, waiters and waitresses earn a median annual salary of $26,710, which is approximately $7,050 less than the national median for this occupation at $33,760. The median hourly wage in the region stands at $12.84. Local household income data reveals that the earnings of typical workers in this role are significantly lower when compared to average household incomes within Western North Carolina, reflecting a broader trend of service industry wages lagging behind other sectors in terms of income growth.

Entry-level waiters and waitresses in Western North Carolina earn around $16,270 annually, marking them at the 10th percentile, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $17,290. In contrast, experienced workers who fall into the 75th percentile earn significantly higher salaries, around $39,120, with top earners (90th percentile) reaching up to $47,690 annually. This substantial difference is largely driven by factors such as experience, skill level, hours worked, and potentially tips, all of which contribute to an increase in earnings potential over time within the occupation.