Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Minnesota

Waiters and waitresses in Minnesota earn the most in Minneapolis (average $31,300 a year) and the least in St. Cloud ($27,720), across the 5 Minnesota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the waiters and waitresses average at $30,060 and the median at $25,470 for 37,630 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $40,060.

Waiters and Waitresses average salary by city in Minnesota

Minneapolis$31,300
Duluth$28,810
Mankato$28,580
Rochester$28,260
St. Cloud$27,720

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Minneapolis	$31,300	$25,920	$23,650	$26,474	105
Duluth	$28,810	$23,150	$23,150	$24,606	89
Mankato	$28,580	$23,330	$23,150	$24,434	91
Rochester	$28,260	$24,060	$23,250	$24,189	91
St. Cloud	$27,720	$23,520	$23,150	$23,773	88

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Minnesota Paid Leave premiums are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Waiters and Waitresses salary in other states

Waiters and Waitresses salary by city and state

More about pay in Minnesota

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 35-3031.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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