South Dakota ranks 31st of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $31,830 — a 109% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,590 to $37,560 — a $11,970 spread, 73% 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) | $25,590 | $12.30 |
| 25th percentile | $27,420 | $13.18 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,080 | $13.98 |
| 75th percentile | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Mean (average) | $30,780 | $14.80 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $29,080 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +109% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +67% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +63% |
| New York | $46,460 | +60% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +57% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +53% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +46% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $28,950 | 3,770 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $29,320 | 590 |
| Cashiers | $29,330 | 12,970 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,460 | 1,030 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $28,690 | N/A |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,470 | 400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Dakota?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in South Dakota is $30,780 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in South Dakota?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $25,590 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,420 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $37,560 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,760 per year.
How does the South Dakota Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in South Dakota is $29,080, which is -14% below national average of $33,760.