salary$30,910 a year$15 an hour · median pay in the Madison, WI area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$18,120per year
Top pay (top 10%)$77,900per year
Jobs in the area5,130people work this job
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford Madison?
Expensive. Rent of $1,723 a month takes 66.9% 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 Madison, WI?
The median pay for a server (waiter/waitress) in the Madison, WI area is $30,910 a year ($15 an hour). Most earn between $18,120 and $77,900.
Can a server (waiter/waitress) afford to live in Madison?
Typical rent of $1,723 a month takes 66.9% 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 Madison, WI metro area.