Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Tennessee (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 35-3031As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for waiters and waitresses in Tennessee is $27,760 per year (gross, before tax) — 21.2% below the US national median of $35,230 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 52,000 people work in this occupation in Tennessee. Negotiating an offer in Tennessee? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Tennessee Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $15,080 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $16,790 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $27,760 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $37,380 | Experienced |
| 90th | $47,660 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How Tennessee 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% |
| Tennessee | $27,760 | -21.2% |
All states for waiters and waitresses →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in Tennessee? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in Tennessee · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a waiters and waitresses in Tennessee?
The median salary in Tennessee is $27,760 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $29,070.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the US national average?
Tennessee is 21.2% 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