Wisconsin ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for waiters and waitresses pay, trailing top-paying Vermont ($60,910) by $31,860 — a 110% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $17,100 to $48,120 — a $31,020 spread, 30% tighter than the national $44,010 range.
Wisconsin employs roughly 1.7% of all waiters and waitresses in the country (39,510 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $17,100 | $8.22 |
| 25th percentile | $21,880 | $10.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,050 | $13.97 |
| 75th percentile | $38,240 | $18.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,120 | $23.14 |
| Mean (average) | $32,370 | $15.56 |
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (current) | $29,050 | n/a |
| Vermont | $60,910 | +110% |
| Hawaii | $48,570 | +67% |
| Washington | $47,490 | +63% |
| New York | $46,460 | +60% |
| District of Columbia | $45,770 | +58% |
| Maine | $44,550 | +53% |
| Rhode Island | $42,600 | +47% |
| New Hampshire | $39,270 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $29,190 | 3,250 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,800 | 5,590 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,780 | 380 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $29,430 | 5,660 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,490 | 5,600 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,500 | 60,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Wisconsin?
The mean waiters and waitresses salary in Wisconsin is $32,370 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Wisconsin?
Entry-level waiters and waitressess (10th percentile) in Wisconsin typically earn around $17,100 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $21,880 per year.
What is the highest Waiters and Waitresses salary in Wisconsin?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Wisconsin make approximately $48,120 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,240 per year.
How does the Wisconsin Waiters and Waitresses salary compare to the national average?
The median waiters and waitresses salary in Wisconsin is $29,050, which is -14% below national average of $33,760.