Average Bartenders Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Bartenders in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area earn an average annual salary of $38,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $39,890, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower demand compared to other regions influence compensation. The cost of living in Raleigh-Cary aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary a direct reflection of the local economic conditions for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,210.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 2,750 bartenders. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of nearly 4 bartenders per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these professionals within the local hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-3.3%below the national average.
$18.6
$742
$3,216
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for bartender salary growth in Raleigh-Cary is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and inflation typically drive wage increases across most industries, including hospitality. Therefore, bartenders in this region likely have experienced modest salary appreciation, keeping pace with the rising cost of living and evolving market demands.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
As with most professions, bartender salaries in Raleigh-Cary, NC, scale with experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned bartenders with extensive knowledge of mixology, customer service, and potentially management skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles reflect the value placed on expertise and proven performance within the local hospitality industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,360 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,943 | $13.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,290 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,238 | $23.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $75,210 | $36.2 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,590 for bartenders in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is directly comparable to the national average due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly 100. This means that the purchasing power of a bartender's salary in Raleigh-Cary is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,750
Total Jobs
3.807
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 0.79x the national average concentration of Bartenders jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.79 for bartenders in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of bartenders, the market is not oversaturated. This could translate to a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities exist but may require active searching and networking to secure desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Bartenders Salary | $37,730↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Bartenders Salary | $34,470↓ 11% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Bartenders Salary | $29,550↓ 23% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Bartenders Salary | $33,790↓ 12% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Bartenders Salary | $32,980↓ 15% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $38,590. This typically ranges from $16,360 for entry-level positions to $75,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 3.3% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Bartenderss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($37,730) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the bartender salary in Raleigh-Cary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for bartenders in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is $38,590, which is slightly lower than the national average of $39,890.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC for bartenders?
The cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How concentrated is the bartender job market in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The bartender job market in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.79.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for bartenders in Raleigh-Cary?
A Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while bartenders are present in Raleigh-Cary, the profession is not as dominant as it is nationally, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 3.807 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Bartenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC