Waiters and Waitresses pay in New Orleans-Metairie
In New Orleans-Metairie (LA), the median pay for waiters and waitresses is $8.00 an hour ($16,640 a year). About 10,050 people work in this job there.
That is 53% lower than the U.S. median ($35,230). It is 10% higher than the Louisiana median ($15,080).
Pay range for waiters and waitresses in New Orleans-Metairie (LA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| 25% of workers | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| Half of workers (median) | $8.00 | $16,640 |
| 75% of workers | $13.00 | $27,040 |
| 90% of workers | $20.39 | $42,410 |
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Louisiana metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie (this page) | $16,640 | 10,050 |
| Alexandria | $15,080 | 750 |
| Baton Rouge | $15,080 | 6,650 |
| Hammond | $15,080 | 1,050 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux | $15,080 | 1,210 |
| Lafayette | $15,080 | 3,410 |
| Lake Charles | $15,080 | 1,950 |
| Monroe | $15,080 | 1,370 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $15,080 | 2,620 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington | $15,080 | 2,520 |
Louisiana unemployment rate: 4.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for waiters and waitresses
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 423,100 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in New Orleans-Metairie (LA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $25,470 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $26,200 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,130 |
| Bartenders | $21,230 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $23,060 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $26,240 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.