SOC 35-3031 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Waiters and Waitresses — Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
At $22,790, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Waiters and Waitresses, 35.3% beneath the national figure of $35,230.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
At $22,790, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Waiters and Waitresses, 35.3% beneath the national figure of $35,230. Pay ranges from under $21,840 at the tenth percentile to more than $44,140 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $21,840 to $36,690.
Employment stands at 12,260, or 13.1 jobs per thousand held locally. Of the 553 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 487th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $21,840 | −38.0% |
| 25th | $21,840 | −38.0% |
| Median (50th) | $22,790 | −35.3% |
| 75th | $36,690 | +4.1% |
| 90th | $44,140 | +25.3% |
| Mean | $29,690 | −15.7% |
Key takeaways
- Median pay is $22,790 a year, 35.3% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $21,840 to $44,140 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 12,260 jobs in this occupation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Puerto Rico, PR?
The median annual wage is $22,790, or $10.96 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $35,230, so pay in Puerto Rico, PR is 35.3% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Puerto Rico, PR earns more than $44,140 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $21,840 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 12,260 jobs in this occupation in Puerto Rico, PR. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
Explore related data