Waiter and Waitress Salary in Missouri
Based on 42K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$29,400
$14.13/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $61K
42K employed in Missouri
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Missouri is $29,400 per year, or approximately $14 per hour. This figure is 13.4% lower than the national average for this profession, indicating a unique compensation landscape within the state.
Several factors can influence the Waiter and Waitress salary in Missouri. These include the specific establishment's size and type, the geographic location within the state, and the individual's years of experience and performance. Tips also play a significant role in the overall earnings for these service professionals.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,600 |
| 25th percentile | $28,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $29,400 |
| 75th percentile | $40,150 |
| 90th percentile | $61,440 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,282 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,400 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,282 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $29,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $40,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,440 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Waiter and Waitress ($29,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MO | $36,940 | +25.6% | $17.76/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MO | $30,390 | +3.4% | $14.61/hr |
| Cashier in MO | $30,520 | +3.8% | $14.67/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MO | $33,080 | +12.5% | $15.90/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MO | $33,460 | +13.8% | $16.09/hr |
| Receptionist in MO | $35,740 | +21.6% | $17.18/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MO | $36,710 | +24.9% | $17.65/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MO | $37,680 | +28.2% | $18.12/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in MO | $40,100 | +36.4% | $19.28/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in MO | $40,360 | +37.3% | $19.40/hr |
| Security Guard in MO | $40,390 | +37.4% | $19.42/hr |
| Medical Assistant in MO | $40,440 | +37.6% | $19.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Missouri?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Missouri is $29,400 annually. This equates to an hourly rate of about $14, though actual earnings can vary.
What is the typical salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Missouri?
- In Missouri, the salary for Waiters and Waitresses generally falls between $28,600 and $61,440 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and establishment.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Missouri is 13.4% lower than the national average. This means those in Missouri typically earn less than their counterparts in other states.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 41,640 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Missouri. This indicates a substantial number of positions within the state's hospitality sector.