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Waiters and Waitresses average salary by city in Kentucky
- Lexington$37,250
- Louisville$36,360
- Owensboro$36,260
- Elizabethtown$35,920
- Bowling Green$34,080
- Paducah$33,040
Pay, take-home pay and cost of living
| City | Average | Median | 25th pct. | Take-home* | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | $37,250 | $34,910 | $19,040 | $29,900 | 93 |
| Louisville | $36,360 | $30,180 | $20,970 | $29,440 | 93 |
| Owensboro | $36,260 | $29,790 | $20,270 | $29,518 | 89 |
| Elizabethtown | $35,920 | $30,270 | $18,260 | $29,202 | 91 |
| Bowling Green | $34,080 | $28,810 | $17,200 | $27,806 | 90 |
| Paducah | $33,040 | $29,280 | $16,510 | $27,028 | 86 |
*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; includes Lexington's local income tax (2.75%). Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.
Waiters and Waitresses salary in other states
More about pay in Kentucky
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 35-3031.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
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