Waiter and Waitress Salary in Idaho
Based on 11K+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$30,050
$14.45/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-11.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$17K – $62K
11K employed in Idaho
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Idaho is approximately $30,050 per year, or $14 per hour. This figure is about 11.5% lower than the national average, with around 10,950 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Idaho. These include the specific establishment's location and size, the volume of business, and the server's experience level. Tips, which are a significant portion of earnings, also vary greatly depending on clientele and service quality, impacting the overall compensation between the $16,770 low and $62,220 high end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $16,770 |
| 25th percentile | $18,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $30,050 |
| 75th percentile | $46,390 |
| 90th percentile | $62,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in Idaho tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,952 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,050 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,952 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $18,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $30,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,220 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Waiter and Waitress ($30,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in ID | $36,440 | +21.3% | $17.52/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in ID | $28,940 | -3.7% | $13.91/hr |
| Cashier in ID | $30,370 | +1.1% | $14.60/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in ID | $34,790 | +15.8% | $16.73/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in ID | $35,080 | +16.7% | $16.87/hr |
| Tutor in ID | $36,490 | +21.4% | $17.54/hr |
| Receptionist in ID | $36,810 | +22.5% | $17.70/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in ID | $37,310 | +24.2% | $17.94/hr |
| Security Guard in ID | $38,300 | +27.5% | $18.41/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in ID | $38,650 | +28.6% | $18.58/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in ID | $39,820 | +32.5% | $19.14/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in ID | $43,200 | +43.8% | $20.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a waiter or waitress in Idaho?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Idaho is $14. This means half of those in the role earn more, and half earn less, within the broader $16,770 to $62,220 annual salary range.
How does the Idaho waiter and waitress salary compare to the national average?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Idaho is 11.5% lower than the national average. While the median is $30,050 annually, the national median is higher, impacting the cost of living considerations for this profession.
What is the salary range for a waiter or waitress in Idaho?
- The salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in Idaho spans from $16,770 to $62,220 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment type.
Is it possible for a waiter or waitress to earn over $50,000 a year in Idaho?
- Yes, it is possible for a Waiter and Waitress to earn over $50,000 a year in Idaho. The upper end of the salary range reaches $62,220, indicating that with strong performance and in high-traffic establishments, earnings can exceed this amount.