Waiter and Waitress Salary in Indiana
Based on 44K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$28,480
$13.69/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-16.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$18K – $48K
44K employed in Indiana
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Indiana is $28,480 per year, which translates to approximately $14 per hour. This figure is 16.1% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, over 43,600 individuals are employed as waiters and waitresses across the state.
Several factors can influence how much a waiter or waitress earns in Indiana. These include the specific establishment where they work, the volume of customers, their years of experience, and the amount of tips they receive. Higher-end restaurants or those in busy tourist areas often offer the potential for greater earnings.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17,640 |
| 25th percentile | $20,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $28,480 |
| 75th percentile | $36,550 |
| 90th percentile | $48,350 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,480 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,334 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,480 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,334 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $20,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $28,480 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $36,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $48,350 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Waiter and Waitress ($28,480 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in IN | $35,170 | +23.5% | $16.91/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IN | $28,790 | +1.1% | $13.84/hr |
| Cashier in IN | $29,670 | +4.2% | $14.26/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IN | $31,530 | +10.7% | $15.16/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IN | $35,060 | +23.1% | $16.86/hr |
| Receptionist in IN | $36,160 | +27.0% | $17.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IN | $36,250 | +27.3% | $17.43/hr |
| Security Guard in IN | $36,490 | +28.1% | $17.54/hr |
| Tutor in IN | $36,980 | +29.8% | $17.78/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IN | $37,730 | +32.5% | $18.14/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IN | $38,330 | +34.6% | $18.43/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in IN | $43,140 | +51.5% | $20.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Indiana?
- The average hourly wage for a Waiter and Waitress in Indiana is approximately $14 per hour. This hourly rate is part of the overall median annual salary of $28,480.
What is the salary range for Waiter and Waitress positions in Indiana?
- The salary range for Waiter and Waitress positions in Indiana falls between $17,640 on the lower end and up to $48,350 annually. This wide range reflects varying levels of experience and earning potential.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Indiana compare to the national average?
- Waiters and waitresses in Indiana earn 16.1% less than the national average. This means that while the median salary is $28,480 in Indiana, the national median is likely higher.
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Indiana?
- There are approximately 43,620 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses throughout Indiana. This indicates a significant presence of this role within the state's workforce.