Waiter and Waitress Salary in North Dakota
Based on 5K+ workers in North Dakota
Median Annual Salary (ND)
$30,890
$14.85/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
-9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$18K – $61K
5K employed in North Dakota
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in North Dakota is $30,890 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $15. This figure is 9.1% lower than the national average for the profession, reflecting regional economic factors and demand. There are an estimated 5,250 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the actual earnings for a Waiter or Waitress in North Dakota. These include the specific type of establishment, such as casual dining versus fine dining, the volume of business, and the geographic location within the state. Tips can also significantly boost overall income, varying widely based on customer volume and generosity.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in North Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $18,470 |
| 25th percentile | $21,930 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $30,890 |
| 75th percentile | $44,960 |
| 90th percentile | $60,570 |
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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $31,817 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,890 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $31,817 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $21,930 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $30,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $44,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,570 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in North Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in North Dakota compare to Waiter and Waitress ($30,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in ND | $36,470 | +18.1% | $17.53/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in ND | $30,080 | -2.6% | $14.46/hr |
| Cashier in ND | $31,460 | +1.8% | $15.13/hr |
| Tutor in ND | $35,100 | +13.6% | $16.88/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in ND | $36,040 | +16.7% | $17.33/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in ND | $36,790 | +19.1% | $17.69/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in ND | $37,550 | +21.6% | $18.05/hr |
| Security Guard in ND | $39,310 | +27.3% | $18.90/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in ND | $39,440 | +27.7% | $18.96/hr |
| Receptionist in ND | $39,530 | +28.0% | $19.00/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in ND | $44,670 | +44.6% | $21.48/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in ND | $45,820 | +48.3% | $22.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in North Dakota?
- The salary range for a Waiter or Waitress in North Dakota generally falls between $18,470 and $60,570 annually. This wide spectrum indicates that experience, location, and the type of establishment play a significant role in determining individual earnings.
How does the average Waiter and Waitress salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?
- The median Waiter and Waitress salary in North Dakota is 9.1% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, individuals in this role in North Dakota earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in North Dakota?
- The median hourly wage for a Waiter or Waitress in North Dakota is around $15 per hour. Coupled with the annual median salary of $30,890, this provides a clear picture of typical compensation for the role.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in North Dakota?
- There are approximately 5,250 Waiters and Waitresses currently employed in North Dakota. This number represents the total workforce in this service industry occupation within the state.