Waiters and Waitresses pay in Columbia
In Columbia (MO), the median pay for waiters and waitresses is $14.06 an hour ($29,250 a year). About 2,120 people work in this job there.
That is 17% lower than the U.S. median ($35,230). It is about the same as the Missouri median ($29,400).
Pay range for waiters and waitresses in Columbia (MO)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.75 | $28,600 |
| 25% of workers | $13.75 | $28,600 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.06 | $29,250 |
| 75% of workers | $17.89 | $37,200 |
| 90% of workers | $28.35 | $58,960 |
Waiters and Waitresses pay in Missouri metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $36,080 | 16,540 |
| St. Louis | $31,200 | 20,170 |
| St. Joseph | $30,490 | 600 |
| Jefferson City | $30,280 | 820 |
| Springfield | $29,350 | 3,050 |
| Columbia (this page) | $29,250 | 2,120 |
| Cape Girardeau | $28,710 | 820 |
| Joplin | $28,600 | 1,220 |
Missouri unemployment rate: 3.5% (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 Columbia (MO)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,390 |
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.