Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA · 5,840 employed
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Des Moines, IA is $31,200 per year. The middle 50% of Waiters and Waitressess earn between $18,590 and $44,650. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $50,540 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $15,080. The median of $28,840 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Breakdown in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $15,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $18,590 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $28,840 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,650 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $50,540 |
Related Jobs in Des Moines, IA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $53,780 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $43,800 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $35,040 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $34,700 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $34,380 |
Waiters and Waitresses Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $78,510 |
| Burlington, VT | $67,480 |
| Seattle, WA | $58,180 |
| Albany, NY | $54,870 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $53,990 |
| Bremerton, WA | $53,840 |
| Olympia, WA | $53,810 |
| Portland, ME | $53,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Des Moines, IA?
The average Waiters and Waitresses salary in Des Moines, IA is $31,200 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Des Moines, IA?
The median Waiters and Waitresses salary in Des Moines, IA is $28,840 per year. Half of Waiters and Waitressess earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Waiters and Waitressess make in Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level Waiters and Waitressess in Des Moines, IA typically earn around $15,080 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $18,590.
What do the highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess earn in Des Moines, IA?
The highest-paid Waiters and Waitressess in Des Moines, IA earn $50,540 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $44,650.
How many Waiters and Waitressess work in Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 5,840 Waiters and Waitressess employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area, per BLS OEWS.