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Average Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers earn an average annual salary of $26,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,110, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the South Carolina market. The specific economic conditions and the prevailing wage scales in the region directly influence this compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,620.
  • Outlook: The job market for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Columbia, SC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 750 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.58 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Columbia compared to the national average, indicating a potentially moderate level of demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,580

The average Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Columbia, SC earns-22.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.8

Weekly

$511

Monthly

$2,215

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Salary progression for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as professionals gain more expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,130$8.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,935$9.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,970$13
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,225$16
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,620$17.1

Detailed Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,580

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $26,580 in Columbia, SC, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

750

Total Jobs

1.952

Per 1K Jobs

0.58

Location Quotient

Below Average

Columbia, SC has 0.58x the national average concentration of Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the market for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Columbia, SC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role exists, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy, potentially leading to a more competitive job landscape for available positions relative to the number of workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helperss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Columbia, SC is $26,580. This typically ranges from $17,130 for entry-level positions to $35,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 22.1% lower than the national median of $34,110.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helperss?

No, Columbia, SC is not a lucrative place for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,580 is significantly lower than the national average of $34,110. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($23,200) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 750 suggests a moderate presence of these roles, neither exceptionally large nor small, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.58 signify?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.58, indicates that this occupation is less prevalent in Columbia, SC, than the national average, suggesting potentially fewer job opportunities relative to other areas.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,580 salary in Columbia has the same purchasing power as a higher nominal salary in a more expensive city, making the lower wage more manageable locally.

What is the job density for this role in Columbia, SC?

There are approximately 1.952 jobs per 1,000 workers in Columbia, SC, for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers, indicating a modest presence within the overall employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.952 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.