📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$28,406
per year
Median
$24,886
per year
Hourly
$13.66
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$19,254
25th Percentile — Junior$24,886
50th Percentile — Median$24,886
75th Percentile — Senior$37,558
90th Percentile — Top Earners$42,326
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in South Carolina make up to $42,326 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$24.5k
2021
$25.2k
2022
$26.0k
2023
$26.8k
2024
$27.6k
2025
$28.4k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $28,406 +0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $28,406 per year, South Carolina's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $19,254–$24,886, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $37,558–$42,326.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in South Carolina is $28,406 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $28,406/year, South Carolina Waiter and Waitress salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.