Waiters and Waitresses pay in Memphis
In Memphis (TN), the median pay for waiters and waitresses is $11.80 an hour ($24,550 a year). About 8,060 people work in this job there.
That is 30% lower than the U.S. median ($35,230). It is 12% lower than the Tennessee median ($27,760).
Pay range for waiters and waitresses in Memphis (TN)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| 25% of workers | $8.42 | $17,510 |
| Half of workers (median) | $11.80 | $24,550 |
| 75% of workers | $17.51 | $36,420 |
| 90% of workers | $22.83 | $47,480 |
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $29,390 | 19,490 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $28,210 | 1,800 |
| Knoxville | $28,100 | 7,260 |
| Morristown | $27,370 | 630 |
| Memphis (this page) | $24,550 | 8,060 |
| Chattanooga | $24,240 | 4,790 |
| Cleveland | $23,300 | 720 |
| Johnson City | $22,070 | 1,460 |
| Clarksville | $21,790 | 1,570 |
| Jackson | $20,490 | 930 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Memphis (TN)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,490 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $39,620 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $27,290 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $34,740 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $27,610 |
| Bartenders | $28,710 |
Other job titles for this job
Open waiters and waitresses jobs on JAI Bot
No open jobs in this field right now. Search all jobs or set up a free job alert.
Hiring waiters and waitresses? Use the free hiring guide for a job description and interview questions, then post the job on JAI Bot. Every job shows typical pay to job seekers.
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.