Waiters and Waitresses Salary in New York
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - NY
Median Annual Salary in New York
$34,258
$16.47 / hour
▲ 22.0% above national avg
National Median
$28,080
$13.50 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$24,628
Missouri equivalent (COL: 139.1)
Waiters and Waitresses Salary in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $18,157 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,666 |
| 50th (Median) | $34,258 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,276 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $58,924 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The New York median salary of $34,258 for Waiters and Waitresses has the purchasing power of approximately $24,628 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
New York's higher cost of living (COL index: 139.1) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in New York?
Waiters and Waitresses in New York earn a median annual salary of $34,258 per year ($16.47/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $28,080.
Is New York a good state for Waiters and Waitresses?
New York pays above the national average for waiters and waitresses, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in New York is higher average (COL index: 139.1).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Waiters and Waitresses in New York?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 139.1 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $34,258 salary in New York has the purchasing power of approximately $24,628 in Missouri. Higher living costs in New York reduce real purchasing power.
How does New York compare to neighboring states for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Waiters and Waitresses salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in New York
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $405,284 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $378,102 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $373,588 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $360,632 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $359,314 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $331,694 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $304,754 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $297,582 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Waiters and Waitresses in New York
Waiters and Waitresses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: No formal credential