Waiters and Waitresses pay in Ames
In Ames (IA), the median pay for waiters and waitresses is $10.92 an hour ($22,710 a year). About 1,010 people work in this job there.
That is 36% lower than the U.S. median ($35,230). It is 8% higher than the Iowa median ($21,000).
Pay range for waiters and waitresses in Ames (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| 25% of workers | $7.48 | $15,560 |
| Half of workers (median) | $10.92 | $22,710 |
| 75% of workers | $18.55 | $38,580 |
| 90% of workers | $24.33 | $50,610 |
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $31,200 | 2,680 |
| Sioux City | $26,430 | 1,030 |
| Ames (this page) | $22,710 | 1,010 |
| Iowa City | $22,030 | 1,890 |
| Cedar Rapids | $21,670 | 1,920 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $21,490 | 1,280 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $20,410 | 6,250 |
| Dubuque | $20,060 | 810 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for waiters and waitresses
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 423,100 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Ames (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,220 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.