Waiters and Waitresses pay in Lincoln
In Lincoln (NE), the median pay for waiters and waitresses is $17.35 an hour ($36,080 a year). About 2,520 people work in this job there.
That is 2% higher than the U.S. median ($35,230). It is 7% higher than the Nebraska median ($33,770).
Pay range for waiters and waitresses in Lincoln (NE)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.50 | $28,080 |
| 25% of workers | $14.13 | $29,390 |
| Half of workers (median) | $17.35 | $36,080 |
| 75% of workers | $22.95 | $47,730 |
| 90% of workers | $29.32 | $60,980 |
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Nebraska metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln (this page) | $36,080 | 2,520 |
| Omaha | $34,290 | 7,620 |
| Grand Island | $29,840 | 570 |
Nebraska unemployment rate: 2.9% (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 Lincoln (NE)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,510 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,230 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $35,210 |
| Bartenders | $30,660 |
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.