Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Southwest Missouri

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,920 -20.3% vs national
Median hourly $12.94
10th percentile $25,580
90th percentile $49,410
Employed locally 1,770
National median $33,760

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Waiters and Waitresses
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Southwest Missouri
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,580
    25th
    $25,580
    50th (median)
    $26,920
    75th
    $36,120
    90th
    $49,410

    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 Southwest Missouri

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food$27,790
    Cooks, Restaurant$31,350
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,530
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$35,900
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$29,910
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$28,040

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Waiters and Waitresses make per hour in Southwest Missouri?

    The median hourly wage for Waiters and Waitresses in Southwest Missouri is $12.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.54 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest Missouri above or below average for Waiters and Waitresses salaries?

    The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Southwest Missouri is 20.3% 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 Southwest Missouri?

    Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses (10th percentile) earn around $25,580 per year in Southwest Missouri. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $25,580.