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Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Minnesota

In Minnesota, waiters and waitresses earn $24,470 at the median — $11.77 an hour. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $35K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$24K
Median annual
$11.77/hr
Hourly rate
$23K
Entry level (10th %)
$35K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $24K get you in Minnesota?

Take-home$1,760/mo
2BR rent (est.)-$1,232/mo
Rent burden70% (above 30%)
COL-adjusted salary$24,470/yr
After rent$528/mo
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About waiters and waitresses

U.S. employed: 38,540
Category: Food Service
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, Minnesota

Bar chart showing Waiters and Waitresses salary percentiles in Minnesota: 10th percentile $22,570, 25th percentile $23,110, median $24,470, 75th percentile $28,900, 90th percentile $35,120. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$23K25th$23KMedian$24K75th$29K90th$35K
Bar chart showing Waiters and Waitresses salary percentiles in Minnesota: 10th percentile $22,570, 25th percentile $23,110, median $24,470, 75th percentile $28,900, 90th percentile $35,120. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level waiters and waitresses (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $24K.Top earners bring in $35K or more - a $13K spread from bottom to top.

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Waiters and Waitresses pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Vermont$61K+80%3,730
Hawaii$49K+44%13,830
Washington$47K+41%43,720
New York$46K+38%140,890
District of Columbia$46K+36%10,540
Maine$45K+32%8,540
Rhode Island$43K+26%11,010
New Hampshire$39K+16%10,840
New Jersey$39K+15%56,560
Virginia$37K+10%61,260
Arizona$37K+9%55,010
Connecticut$36K+8%21,720
Massachusetts$36K+8%50,160
Ohio$36K+7%76,260
Michigan$36K+6%64,920

Track waiters and waitresses salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Minnesota numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do waiters and waitresses make in Minnesota?

The median is $24,470 a year - that works out to about $11.77 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $22,570, and experienced waiters and waitresses can clear $35,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $24K enough to live in Minnesota?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $1,760/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,232/month (median of metro areas), which eats 70% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.

How far does a waiters and waitresses salary go in Minnesota?

Minnesota has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median waiters and waitresses salary is worth about $24,470 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do waiters and waitresses get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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