Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$21,900$10.53 per hour · $1,825 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Waiters and Waitresses Wage Percentiles in Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 | $7.60/hr | $1,317 | $15,800 | $14,591 |
| 25th Percentile | $7.60/hr | $1,317 | $15,800 | $14,591 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $10.53/hr | $1,825 | $21,900 | $19,464 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.79/hr | $3,083 | $37,000 | $31,155 |
| 90th Percentile | $24.09/hr | $4,175 | $50,100 | $41,183 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$21,900 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
What is the median salary for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $21,900, which equates to approximately $1,825 per month or $10.53 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median hourly wage for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $10.53 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $7.60/hour and one in ten earned more than $24.09/hour.
What is the pay range for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
BLS wage estimates for waiters or waitresses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA span from $15,800 at the 10th percentile to $15,800 at the 25th, $37,000 at the 75th, and $50,100 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do waiters or waitresses take home after taxes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On a median gross salary of $21,900, an estimated $19,464 lands in net take-home pay per year ($749 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $2,436 (an effective rate of 11.1%).
How much do waiters or waitresses make per month in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On the median annual salary of $21,900, gross monthly income is $1,825. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $1,622 per month (or $749 every two weeks).
Is $21,900 a good salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
At $21,900, the median salary for waiters or waitresses is 25.5% of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA median household income ($85,890). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 91.7, making regional consumer goods and services 8.3% cheaper than the U.S. average.