📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$49,066
per year
Median
$42,986
per year
Hourly
$23.59
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$33,258
25th Percentile — Junior$42,986
50th Percentile — Median$42,986
75th Percentile — Senior$64,874
90th Percentile — Top Earners$73,109
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in District of Columbia make up to $73,109 per year. The job market in District of Columbia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Finance, Technology.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$42.3k
2021
$43.6k
2022
$44.9k
2023
$46.2k
2024
$47.6k
2025
$49.1k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in District of Columbia have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in District of Columbia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in District of Columbia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Washington $74,580 +52.0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,066 per year, District of Columbia's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $33,258–$42,986, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $64,874–$73,109.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in District of Columbia is $49,066 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $49,066/year, District of Columbia Waiter and Waitress salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $32,280/year.