Iowa ranks 40th of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $34,770 — a 133% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $15,080 to $49,380 — a $34,300 spread, 22% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $15,080 | $7.25 |
| 25th percentile | $18,230 | $8.76 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $26,140 | $12.57 |
| 75th percentile | $38,510 | $18.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,380 | $23.74 |
| Mean (average) | $29,710 | $14.29 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $26,140 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +133% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +86% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +82% |
| New York | $46,460 | +78% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +75% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +70% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +63% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +50% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $26,710 | 3,020 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,550 | 4,310 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $25,450 | 1,230 |
| Dishwashers | $26,910 | 2,960 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $27,780 | 300 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,930 | 5,870 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Iowa?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Iowa is $29,710 per year. The median (middle) salary is $26,140 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Iowa?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $15,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $18,230 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $49,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,510 per year.
How does the Iowa Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Iowa is $26,140, which is -23% below national average of $33,760.