Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$21,300$10.24 per hour · $1,775 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Waiters and Waitresses Wage Percentiles in Ames, IA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $7.36/hr | $1,275 | $15,300 | $14,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $7.36/hr | $1,275 | $15,300 | $14,130 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $10.24/hr | $1,775 | $21,300 | $18,993 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.21/hr | $2,983 | $35,800 | $30,237 |
| 90th Percentile | $23.37/hr | $4,050 | $48,600 | $40,035 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Ames, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$21,300 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare waiters or waitresses salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Waiters and Waitresses Pay in Ames, IA
What is the median salary for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA is $21,300, which equates to approximately $1,775 per month or $10.24 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA?
The median hourly wage for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA is $10.24 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $7.36/hour and one in ten earned more than $23.37/hour.
What is the pay range for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA?
BLS wage estimates for waiters or waitresses in Ames, IA span from $15,300 at the 10th percentile to $15,300 at the 25th, $35,800 at the 75th, and $48,600 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do waiters or waitresses take home after taxes in Ames, IA?
On a median gross salary of $21,300, an estimated $18,993 lands in net take-home pay per year ($731 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $2,307 (an effective rate of 10.8%).
How much do waiters or waitresses make per month in Ames, IA?
On the median annual salary of $21,300, gross monthly income is $1,775. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $1,583 per month (or $731 every two weeks).
Is $21,300 a good salary in Ames, IA?
At $21,300, the median salary for waiters or waitresses is 29.1% of the Ames, IA median household income ($73,127). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 88.8, making regional consumer goods and services 11.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.