Waiter and Waitress Salary in Montana
Based on 7K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$23,370
$11.24/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-31.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $45K
7K employed in Montana
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Montana is $23,370 per year, which equates to approximately $11 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, sitting 31.2% below it. With around 7,200 individuals employed in this role across the state, understanding the earning potential is crucial for those entering or currently working in the service industry.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,940 |
| 25th percentile | $22,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $23,370 |
| 75th percentile | $28,960 |
| 90th percentile | $45,420 |
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 Montana 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 Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $24,071 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Montana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,370 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $24,071 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $22,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $23,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $28,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,420 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Waiter and Waitress ($23,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in MT | $38,060 | +62.9% | $18.30/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MT | $29,090 | +24.5% | $13.99/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in MT | $33,990 | +45.4% | $16.34/hr |
| Cashier in MT | $34,190 | +46.3% | $16.44/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MT | $36,270 | +55.2% | $17.44/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MT | $36,630 | +56.7% | $17.61/hr |
| Receptionist in MT | $37,360 | +59.9% | $17.96/hr |
| Security Guard in MT | $38,480 | +64.7% | $18.50/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MT | $39,050 | +67.1% | $18.77/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MT | $40,900 | +75.0% | $19.66/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in MT | $43,940 | +88.0% | $21.13/hr |
| Tutor in MT | $45,050 | +92.8% | $21.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in Montana?
- The salary range for Waiter and Waitress positions in Montana typically falls between $21,940 and $45,420 annually. This indicates a significant spread in earnings, with the median falling at $23,370.
How does the Waiter and Waitress salary in Montana compare to the national average?
- Waiters and Waitresses in Montana earn, on average, 31.2% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median Montana salary of $23,370 is considerably lower than the national median.
What factors can influence a Waiter or Waitress's pay in Montana?
- Several factors can affect a Waiter and Waitress salary in Montana, including the specific establishment's location and size, the volume of business, and the experience level of the individual. Tips also form a significant portion of earnings, adding variability to the base pay of $11/hour.
Is it common for Waiter and Waitress jobs to pay significantly above the median salary in Montana?
- While the median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Montana is $23,370, the upper end of the salary range reaches $45,420. This suggests that experienced individuals in high-demand locations or establishments may achieve earnings substantially higher than the median.