salary$20,410 a year$10 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$15,080per year
Top pay (top 10%)$48,760per year
Jobs in the area6,250people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Des Moines?
Expensive. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 74.4% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Server (Waiter/Waitress) pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a server (waiter/waitress) make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $20,410 a year ($10 an hour). Most earn between $15,080 and $48,760.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 74.4% of the median server (waiter/waitress) salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.