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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$21,000
Median Annual Salary
▼
-19.7% vs 2024
$26,940
Mean Salary
$21,000
Median Salary
$10.10
Hourly Rate
22,410 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa
Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa earn a median salary of $21,000 per year ($1,750/month).
This is 38.2% below the national average of $33,965.
Iowa ranks #47 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay.
Approximately 22,410 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries decreased by 19.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Waiters and Waitresses
Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Social Perceptiveness
3.5
Coordination
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.37
English Language
3.75
Sales and Marketing
3.47
Food Production
3.25
Administration and Management
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(57.0% of workers)
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa range from $15,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,980 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $15,080 and $35,370.
Median $21,000
P10: $15,080P25: $15,080P75: $35,370P90: $47,980
10th
$15,080
25th
$15,080
Median
$21,000
75th
$35,370
90th
$47,980
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$15,080
$7.25
$1,256
25th Percentile
$15,080
$7.25
$1,256
Median (50th)
$21,000
$10.10
$1,750
75th Percentile
$35,370
$17.00
$2,947
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,980
$23.07
$3,998
Note: The mean (average) salary of $26,940 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa is $21,000 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $26,940.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa range from $15,080 at the 10th percentile to $47,980 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $15,080 and $35,370.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in Iowa typically start around $15,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $15,080 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 22,410 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa is approximately $10.10 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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