In 2000, median hourly earnings (not including tips) of waiters and waitresses were $6.42. The middle 50 percent earned between $5.88 and $7.26. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $5.49, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $10.15 per hour. For most waiters and waitresses, higher earnings are primarily the result of receiving more in tips rather than higher hourly wages. Tips usually average between 10 and 20 percent of guests' checks, so waiters and waitresses working in busy, expensive restaurants earn the most.