Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southeast Iowa

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $21,950 -35% vs national
Median hourly $10.55
10th percentile $15,080
90th percentile $46,760
Employed locally 2,140
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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Southeast Iowa
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $15,080
    25th
    $18,230
    50th (median)
    $21,950
    75th
    $35,420
    90th
    $46,760

    Top-paying metros for Waiters and Waitresses

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $71,920
    Burlington-South Burlington, VT $66,350
    Vermont $60,910
    Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $60,840
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $53,460
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $48,760

    Related occupations in Southeast Iowa

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,340
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,740
    Cooks, Restaurant $31,120
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,240
    Bartenders $21,720
    Cooks, Fast Food $27,420

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Southeast Iowa?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Iowa is $10.55, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.35 or more per hour.

    Is Southeast Iowa above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Southeast Iowa is 35% below the national median of $33,760. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Southeast Iowa?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $15,080 per year in Southeast Iowa. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $18,230.