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Average Bartenders Salary in Wausau, WI

Bartenders in Wausau, Wisconsin, earn an average annual salary of $24,370. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $39,890, indicating that local economic factors and demand significantly influence compensation in this Midwestern city. The specific pay rates reflect the unique economic landscape and labor market dynamics present in Wausau.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,500.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 640 Bartenders, Wausau presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 1.9 suggests that Bartenders are more prevalent in Wausau than the national average, implying a steady demand for these services within the local hospitality sector. This concentration points to a robust, albeit specialized, employment environment for professionals in this role.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,370

The average Bartenders in Wausau, WI earns-38.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.7

Weekly

$469

Monthly

$2,031

Bartenders Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI

The salary progression for Bartenders in Wausau typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$16,640$8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,278$8.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,100$10.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$30,463$14.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$29,500$14.2

Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $24,370 in Wausau aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the lower wage is effectively offset by the stable cost of living, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost perspective.

Job Market Context

640

Total Jobs

9.209

Per 1K Jobs

1.9

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wausau, WI has 1.9x the national concentration of Bartenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Wausau's Location Quotient of 1.9 for Bartenders signifies a significant concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for Bartenders in Wausau is relatively abundant and potentially competitive, with more job openings per capita than in many other regions. This high concentration indicates a strong local demand and a well-established presence of Bartender roles within the community's economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Bartenderss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bartenders make in Wausau, WI?

The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Wausau, WI is $24,370. This typically ranges from $16,640 for entry-level positions to $29,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 38.9% lower than the national median of $39,890.

Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Bartenderss?

No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for Bartenders.The average annual salary of $24,370 is substantially below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.

Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Bartenders?

The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($23,660) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.

How does experience affect a Bartender's salary in Wausau?

Experience significantly influences a Bartender's earning potential in Wausau, with senior roles commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career progression.

What is the job market like for Bartenders in Wausau?

The job market is concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.9 indicating a higher prevalence of Bartenders than the national average, suggesting steady local demand.

Does the Cost of Living in Wausau impact Bartender salaries?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), meaning the lower nominal salary of $24,370 has a purchasing power comparable to the national average, balancing the lower wage.

How does Wausau's Bartender salary compare to the national average?

The average Bartender salary in Wausau ($24,370) is considerably lower than the national average of $39,890.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 9.209 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.