📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$26,792
per year
Median
$23,472
per year
Hourly
$12.88
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$18,160
25th Percentile — Junior$23,472
50th Percentile — Median$23,472
75th Percentile — Senior$35,424
90th Percentile — Top Earners$39,921
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in Kentucky make up to $39,921 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$23.1k
2021
$23.8k
2022
$24.5k
2023
$25.3k
2024
$26.0k
2025
$26.8k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $22,505 -16.0% High
Lexington $22,505 -16.0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $26,792 per year, Kentucky's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $18,160–$23,472, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $35,424–$39,921.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in Kentucky is $26,792 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $26,792/year, Kentucky Waiter and Waitress salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.