Iowa ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for food servers, nonrestaurant pay, trailing top-paying Colorado ($38,180) by $8,910 — a 30% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,220 to $36,280 — a $10,060 spread, 45% tighter than the national $18,180 range.
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are more concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.88 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.88× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,220 | $12.61 |
| 25th percentile | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,270 | $14.07 |
| 75th percentile | $34,280 | $16.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,280 | $17.44 |
| Mean (average) | $30,520 | $14.67 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $29,270 | n/a |
| Colorado | $38,180 | +30% |
| New York | $38,010 | +30% |
| Washington | $37,770 | +29% |
| California | $37,690 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $37,570 | +28% |
| Hawaii | $37,470 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $36,540 | +25% |
| New Hampshire | $36,110 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Attendants | $29,300 | 1,270 |
| Telemarketers | $29,060 | 1,880 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,560 | 3,460 |
| Cashiers | $28,780 | 43,160 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $28,770 | 5,900 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $29,790 | 5,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Iowa?
The mean food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Iowa is $30,520 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,270 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Iowa?
Entry-level food servers, nonrestaurants (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $26,220 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,930 per year.
What is the highest Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $36,280 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,280 per year.
How does the Iowa Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median food servers, nonrestaurant salary in Iowa is $29,270, which is -15% below national average of $34,460.