Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Puerto Rico (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for waiters and waitresses in Puerto Rico is $22,790 per year (gross, before tax) — 35.3% below the US national median of $35,230 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 12,000 people work in this occupation in Puerto Rico. Negotiating an offer in Puerto Rico? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Puerto Rico Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $21,840 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $21,840 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $22,790 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $36,690 | Experienced |
| 90th | $44,140 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How Puerto Rico Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $62,390 | +77.1% |
| Vermont | $59,140 | +67.9% |
| Washington | $56,130 | +59.3% |
| Oregon | $48,410 | +37.4% |
| District of Columbia | $47,850 | +35.8% |
| New York | $47,020 | +33.5% |
| New Jersey | $44,960 | +27.6% |
| Colorado | $44,860 | +27.3% |
| Virginia | $44,760 | +27.1% |
| Arizona | $43,950 | +24.8% |
| Puerto Rico | $22,790 | -35.3% |
All states for waiters and waitresses →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in Puerto Rico? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in Puerto Rico · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a waiters and waitresses in Puerto Rico?
The median salary in Puerto Rico is $22,790 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $29,690.
How does Puerto Rico pay compare to the US national average?
Puerto Rico is 35.3% below the US national median of $35,230 for this occupation.
Which US state pays waiters and waitresses the most?
Hawaii has the highest median pay for this occupation at $62,390 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25