Waiter Salary in Australia
Hospitality • All 12 Major Cities
Waiters take orders, serve food and beverages, and provide customer service in restaurants and cafes.
Job Market Outlook
Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential
Job supply roughly matches candidate availability
Stable employment outlook over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Waiter Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $55,000 | $46,612 |
| 2CanberraACT | $54,000 | $45,932 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $52,500 | $44,912 |
| 4DarwinNT | $52,500 | $44,912 |
| 5PerthWA | $51,000 | $43,892 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $47,500 | $41,512 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $46,000 | $40,492 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $45,000 | $39,812 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $44,000 | $38,992 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $44,000 | $38,992 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $43,500 | $38,582 |
| 12HobartTAS | $42,500 | $37,762 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiter earn in Australia?
The average Waiter salary in Australia is $48,125 per year, or approximately $24 per hour. Salaries typically range from $35,700 for entry-level positions to $66,000 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Waiter?
A Waiter earning the average salary of $48,125 takes home approximately $41,937 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $3,495 per month.
Where do Waiters earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Waiter salaries at $55,000 on average, followed by Canberra at $54,000.
Is Waiter a good career in Australia?
Waiter is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $48,125 is below the national median.
How much do Waiters make per hour?
Waiters earn approximately $24 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $18 for entry-level positions to $33 for experienced professionals.
About Waiter Salaries in Australia
The average Waiter salary in Australia is $48,125 per year, or approximately $24 per hour. Salaries range from $35,700 for entry-level positions to $66,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Waiter salary at $55,000, while Hobart has the lowest at $42,500.
After tax, a Waiter earning the average salary takes home $41,937 per year, or $3,495 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Waiter Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $35,700, while senior roles can reach $66,000.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Waiter roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.