Indiana ranks 36th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $33,490 — a 122% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $17,410 to $48,000 — a $30,590 spread, 30% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Indiana employs roughly 1.9% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (43,880 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $17,410 | $8.37 |
| 25th percentile | $19,190 | $9.23 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,420 | $13.18 |
| 75th percentile | $37,550 | $18.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,000 | $23.08 |
| Mean (average) | $30,970 | $14.89 |
How Indiana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana (current) | $27,420 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +122% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +77% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +73% |
| New York | $46,460 | +69% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +67% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +62% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +55% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +43% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Indiana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,200 | 2,140 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,580 | 6,280 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,290 | 101,500 |
| Dishwashers | $28,320 | 6,660 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,330 | 9,720 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $28,550 | 10,730 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Indiana?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Indiana is $30,970 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,420 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Indiana?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Indiana typically earn around $17,410 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $19,190 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Indiana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Indiana make approximately $48,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,550 per year.
How does the Indiana Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Indiana is $27,420, which is -19% below national average of $33,760.