Waiter and Waitress Salary in Minnesota
Based on 38K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$25,470
$12.25/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-25.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$23K – $42K
38K employed in Minnesota
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Minnesota is $25,470 per year, which breaks down to approximately $12 per hour. This figure is significantly lower than the national average, falling about 25.0% below it. With a substantial 37,630 individuals employed in this role across the state, these figures provide a baseline understanding of earnings in the profession.
Several factors can influence the actual Waiter and Waitress salary in Minnesota. Experience levels, the type of establishment (fine dining versus casual), and the specific city or region within the state can all play a role in compensation. Tips also contribute significantly to overall take-home pay, though they are not always reflected in base salary data.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $23,150 |
| 25th percentile | $23,370 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $25,470 |
| 75th percentile | $31,940 |
| 90th percentile | $41,800 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $25,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $26,234 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $25,470 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $26,234 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $23,370 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $25,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $31,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $41,800 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Waiter and Waitress ($25,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MN | $38,590 | +51.5% | $18.55/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MN | $31,370 | +23.2% | $15.08/hr |
| Cashier in MN | $34,620 | +35.9% | $16.64/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MN | $36,370 | +42.8% | $17.49/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MN | $37,120 | +45.7% | $17.85/hr |
| Receptionist in MN | $37,510 | +47.3% | $18.03/hr |
| Firefighter in MN | $38,110 | +49.6% | $18.32/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MN | $38,370 | +50.6% | $18.45/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in MN | $39,850 | +56.5% | $19.16/hr |
| Security Guard in MN | $43,380 | +70.3% | $20.86/hr |
| Tutor in MN | $45,660 | +79.3% | $21.95/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MN | $46,410 | +82.2% | $22.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Minnesota?
- The median annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Minnesota is $25,470. This means half of all individuals in this role earn less than this amount, while half earn more. The salary range can vary, with most earning between $23,150 and $41,800 annually.
How does the Minnesota salary compare to the national average for Waiters and Waitresses?
- The Waiter and Waitress salary in Minnesota is approximately 25.0% lower than the national average. This suggests that, on average, individuals in this profession in Minnesota earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Minnesota?
- Based on the median annual salary of $25,470, the average hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in Minnesota is around $12 per hour. This figure represents the base pay before tips and other potential bonuses are considered.
What is the salary range for a Waiter and Waitress in Minnesota?
- The typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Minnesota falls between $23,150 and $41,800 per year. This indicates that while the median is $25,470, some experienced or highly-rated servers can earn considerably more.