📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin · 8.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$29,698
per year
Median
$26,018
per year
Hourly
$14.28
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$20,130
25th Percentile — Junior$26,018
50th Percentile — Median$26,018
75th Percentile — Senior$39,266
90th Percentile — Top Earners$44,250
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss in Wisconsin make up to $44,250 per year. The job market in Wisconsin is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$25.6k
2021
$26.4k
2022
$27.2k
2023
$28.0k
2024
$28.8k
2025
$29.7k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in Wisconsin have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Wisconsin's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in Wisconsin
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Milwaukee $27,619 -7.0% High
Madison $28,807 -3.0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in Wisconsin
Key factors affecting compensation

Wisconsin is home to a moderate job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $29,698 per year, Wisconsin's Waiter and Waitress salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Wisconsin (index: 0.92) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Wisconsin can expect to earn $20,130–$26,018, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $39,266–$44,250.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in Wisconsin is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in Wisconsin is $29,698 per year in 2026, which is 8.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss the highest wages in Wisconsin due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Wisconsin has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $29,698/year, Wisconsin Waiter and Waitress salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.