Average Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary in Lake Charles, LA
In Lake Charles, LA, Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers earn an average annual salary of $25,220. This figure falls below the national average of $34,110, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. The cost of living in Lake Charles is on par with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Lake Charles, LA, shows a moderate concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.71. While the total local workforce of 240 indicates a niche presence, the jobs per 1,000 workers at 2.404 suggests a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Lake Charles, LA earns-26.1%below the national average.
$12.1
$485
$2,102
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Lake Charles, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a desire to retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,260 | $7.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,915 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,525 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,860 | $14.8 |
Detailed Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,220 in Lake Charles, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the cost of essential goods and services is comparable, potentially mitigating the impact of the lower salary on disposable income.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.404
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.71x 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 0.71, the market for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Lake Charles is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the roles are present, they are not a dominant feature of the local employment landscape, indicating a potentially moderate level of competition among job seekers for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary | $27,250↑ 8% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary | $24,110↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers Salary | $23,890↓ 5% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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 Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers in Lake Charles, LA is $25,220. This typically ranges from $16,260 for entry-level positions to $30,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 26.1% lower than the national median of $34,110.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helperss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,220 is significantly lower than the national average of $34,110. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, which somewhat offsets the lower nominal wage.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($27,250) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 240 indicates a relatively small, specialized pool for this occupation in Lake Charles. While this might suggest fewer opportunities overall, it could also mean less competition for dedicated individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.71 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.71, signifies that this occupation is less prevalent in Lake Charles compared to the national average. This could imply a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for these roles.
How does the cost of living impact the salary in Lake Charles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lake Charles matches the national average. Therefore, the lower average salary of $25,220 means that the purchasing power of these earnings is comparable to the national average, despite the nominal difference.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Lake Charles?
The rate of 2.404 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, though not overwhelming, presence of these roles within the Lake Charles labor market. It indicates ongoing demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 2.404 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA