Food Servers, Nonrestaurant vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Food Servers, Nonrestaurants out-earn Waiters and Waitressess by $130 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Servers, Nonrestaurants land at $35,360 and Waiters and Waitressess at $35,230. The education gap is real: food servers, nonrestaurant programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants is New York ($39,370); for Waiters and Waitressess it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Food Servers, Nonrestaurant median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Servers, Nonrestaurants or Waiters and Waitressess?
Food Servers, Nonrestaurants earn more nationally. The median is $35,360 for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitressess, a difference of $130. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant or Waiters and Waitresses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant or Waiters and Waitresses?
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Food Servers, Nonrestaurants get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants at $39,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Servers, Nonrestaurant vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Food Servers, Nonrestaurants earn $39,370 vs. $47,020 for Waiters and Waitressess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.