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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$28,990
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.3% vs 2024
$30,860
Mean Salary
$28,990
Median Salary
$13.94
Hourly Rate
7,350 people work as Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota

Waiters and Waitresses salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $27,030$27,03025th25% earn less than $27,910$27,910MedianHalf earn more than $28,990$28,99075th75% earn less than $30,640$30,64090thTop 10% earn more than $37,290$37,290

Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota earn a median salary of $28,990 per year ($2,415/month). This is 14.6% below the national average of $33,965. South Dakota ranks #35 out of 51 states for Waiters and Waitresses pay. Approximately 7,350 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries decreased by 0.3% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota

Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota range from $27,030 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $37,290 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $27,910 and $30,640.

Median $28,990
P10: $27,030 P25: $27,910 P75: $30,640 P90: $37,290
10th
$27,030
25th
$27,910
Median
$28,990
75th
$30,640
90th
$37,290
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $27,030 $13.00 $2,252
25th Percentile $27,910 $13.42 $2,325
Median (50th) $28,990 $13.94 $2,415
75th Percentile $30,640 $14.73 $2,553
90th Percentile (Experienced) $37,290 $17.93 $3,107

Note: The mean (average) salary of $30,860 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#35
South Dakota ranks #35 of 51 states
$33,965
National avg. for Waiters and Waitresses
-14.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Waiters and Waitresses take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Waiters and Waitresses Data in South Dakota

Waiters and Waitresses Salary by State

Compare Waiters and Waitresses pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Waiters and Waitresses make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota is $28,990 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $30,860.
What is the salary range for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota?
Salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota range from $27,030 at the 10th percentile to $37,290 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $27,910 and $30,640.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitresses positions in South Dakota typically start around $27,030 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $27,910 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 7,350 people are employed as Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota is approximately $13.94 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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