Waiter and Waitress Salary in Iowa
Based on 22K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$21,000
$10.10/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-38.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$15K – $48K
22K employed in Iowa
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Iowa is $21,000 per year, which equates to approximately $10 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, falling 38.2% below it. With 22,410 individuals employed in this role across the state, understanding compensation trends is important for those in or considering this profession.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Iowa. These include the specific establishment's location and size, the volume of business, and the employee's experience level. Tips also play a significant role, often making up a substantial portion of take-home pay, and can vary greatly depending on the clientele and service quality.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $15,080 |
| 25th percentile | $15,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $21,000 |
| 75th percentile | $35,370 |
| 90th percentile | $47,980 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $21,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $21,630 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $21,000 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $21,630 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $15,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $21,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,370 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,980 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Waiter and Waitress ($21,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in IA | $35,670 | +69.9% | $17.15/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in IA | $28,390 | +35.2% | $13.65/hr |
| Cashier in IA | $28,970 | +38.0% | $13.93/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in IA | $31,360 | +49.3% | $15.08/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | +69.9% | $17.15/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in IA | $36,080 | +71.8% | $17.35/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in IA | $36,640 | +74.5% | $17.62/hr |
| Security Guard in IA | $37,080 | +76.6% | $17.83/hr |
| Receptionist in IA | $37,330 | +77.8% | $17.95/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in IA | $39,350 | +87.4% | $18.92/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in IA | $39,630 | +88.7% | $19.05/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in IA | $44,860 | +113.6% | $21.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Iowa?
- The median salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Iowa is $21,000 annually, or about $10 per hour. This is significantly lower than the national average, by 38.2%.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
- In Iowa, the salary for Waiters and Waitresses typically falls between $15,080 and $47,980 per year. The median sits at $21,000 annually.
How much do Waiters and Waitresses earn per hour in Iowa?
- On average, Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa earn around $10 per hour. This hourly rate can fluctuate, with the overall annual salary range spanning from $15,080 to $47,980.
Is the Waiter and Waitress salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, the Waiter and Waitress salary in Iowa is substantially lower than the national average. It is 38.2% below the national average, with a median annual salary of $21,000 compared to the national figures.