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Average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Knoxville, TN

Food Servers in non-restaurant settings in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $28,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,860. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Knoxville's service industry likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,210.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.82, the market for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Knoxville indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence compared to national averages. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, though not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,810

The average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Knoxville, TN earns-17.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.9

Weekly

$554

Monthly

$2,401

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The salary distribution, often represented by percentiles, clearly illustrates this career progression, with senior roles occupying the higher salary brackets.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,790$8.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,608$10.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,450$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,013$17.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,210$18.9

Detailed Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,810 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

610

Total Jobs

1.448

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Knoxville, TN has 0.82x the national average concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 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 0.82 suggests that Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are slightly less concentrated in Knoxville, TN, than they are nationally. This indicates a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary$22,800↓ 21%75 mi
Asheville, NC Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary$30,500↑ 6%83 mi
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary$28,080↓ 3%87 mi
Johnson City, TN Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary$25,430↓ 12%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN

Hiring Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Knoxville, TN is $28,810. This typically ranges from $17,790 for entry-level positions to $39,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 17.4% lower than the national median of $34,860.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?

No, but the cost of living is average.The average salary of $28,810 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average, meaning your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($22,800) and Asheville, NC.

How does the Knoxville salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Knoxville, TN is $28,810, which is $6,050 less than the national average of $34,860.

What is the total number of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Knoxville?

There are approximately 610 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant employed in the Knoxville, TN area.

How does Knoxville's concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant compare to the national average?

Knoxville has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for this role, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for Knoxville?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the overall cost of goods and services in Knoxville is the same as the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.448 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN