Average Bartenders Salary in Wilmington, NC
Bartenders in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $35,670. This figure is below the national average of $39,890, suggesting that while the role is present, local economic factors and potentially a different market dynamic influence compensation compared to the broader U.S. landscape. The specific economic environment and industry demand within Wilmington play a significant role in shaping these local pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,680.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC boasts a dedicated workforce of 1,440 bartenders, with 7.698 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.59 indicates a significantly higher concentration of bartending jobs in Wilmington compared to the national average, signaling robust local demand and a potentially strong job market for skilled professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Wilmington, NC earns-10.6%below the national average.
$17.2
$686
$2,973
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's bartender salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth and inflation. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits likely contributed to salary increases, reflecting a dynamic job market that adapts to broader economic shifts and maintains competitive compensation for its workforce.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The career trajectory for bartenders in Wilmington, NC, typically sees a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise, specialized skills, and strong customer service records can command significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on experience and proven performance in the local hospitality industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,460 | $7.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,753 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,650 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,588 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,680 | $29.7 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wilmington, NC, is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the average bartender salary of $35,670 holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,440
Total Jobs
7.698
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.6x 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.
Wilmington, NC, presents a compelling market for bartenders, evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.59. This score significantly surpasses the national average, indicating that bartending is a more concentrated and in-demand profession within the city. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out talent, and opportunities are more abundant than in many other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Bartenders Salary | $31,570↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Bartenders Salary | $24,820↓ 30% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Bartenders Salary | $29,550↓ 17% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Bartenders Salary | $32,980↓ 8% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Bartenders Salary | $32,240↓ 10% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Wilmington, NC is $35,670. This typically ranges from $15,460 for entry-level positions to $61,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 10.6% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Bartenderss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Wilmington has a higher concentration of bartending jobs (LQ of 1.59), the average salary of $35,670 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($31,570) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's bartender salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for bartenders in Wilmington, NC, is $35,670, which is lower than the national average of $39,890.
What is the concentration of bartenders in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC has a Location Quotient of 1.59 for bartenders, meaning the profession is 59% more concentrated than the national average, indicating higher local demand.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect bartender salaries?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the local bartender salary of $35,670 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of bartenders in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 1,440 bartenders employed in Wilmington, NC, contributing to the local hospitality sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,440 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 7.698 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 Wilmington, NC