📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in Iowa (2026)

Iowa · 14.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$27,761
per year
Median
$24,321
per year
Hourly
$13.35
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$18,817
25th Percentile — Junior$24,321
50th Percentile — Median$24,321
75th Percentile — Senior$36,705
90th Percentile — Top Earners$41,364
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in Iowa make up to $41,364 per year. The job market in Iowa is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$23.9k
2021
$24.7k
2022
$25.4k
2023
$26.2k
2024
$27.0k
2025
$27.8k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in Iowa have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Iowa's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in Iowa
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Des Moines $24,430 -12.0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in Iowa
Key factors affecting compensation

Iowa is home to a moderate job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $27,761 per year, Iowa's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 14.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Iowa (index: 0.86) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Iowa can expect to earn $18,817–$24,321, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $36,705–$41,364.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in Iowa is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in Iowa is $27,761 per year in 2026, which is 14.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in Iowa due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Iowa has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance. Opportunities exist in for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $27,761/year, Iowa Waiter and Waitress salaries are 14.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.