📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania · 1.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$31,957
per year
Median
$27,997
per year
Hourly
$15.36
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$21,661
25th Percentile — Junior$27,997
50th Percentile — Median$27,997
75th Percentile — Senior$42,253
90th Percentile — Top Earners$47,616
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in Pennsylvania make up to $47,616 per year. The job market in Pennsylvania is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Education, Finance.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$27.6k
2021
$28.4k
2022
$29.2k
2023
$30.1k
2024
$31.0k
2025
$32.0k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in Pennsylvania have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Pennsylvania's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in Pennsylvania
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Philadelphia $34,514 +8.0% High
Pittsburgh $31,318 -2.0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in Pennsylvania
Key factors affecting compensation

Pennsylvania is home to a strong job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Education, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $31,957 per year, Pennsylvania's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Pennsylvania (index: 0.99) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Pennsylvania can expect to earn $21,661–$27,997, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $42,253–$47,616.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in Pennsylvania is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Healthcare 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 Pennsylvania is $31,957 per year in 2026, which is 1.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in Pennsylvania due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Pennsylvania has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Education, Finance. This makes it one of the better states for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $31,957/year, Pennsylvania Waiter and Waitress salaries are 1.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.