Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Alexandria, LA
Waiters and waitresses in Alexandria, LA earn an average annual salary of $24,570. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors, including the prevailing wage scales and the specific demand within the hospitality sector in Alexandria, contribute to this differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,530.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 680 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.77, Alexandria, LA demonstrates a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of 11.526 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Alexandria, LA earns-35.9%below the national average.
$11.8
$473
$2,048
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Alexandria, LA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving service industry standards, leading to modest but consistent upward adjustments in compensation.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Alexandria, LA, like elsewhere, is largely dictated by experience and skill. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized service skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries represents a clear path for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,428 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $16,490 | $7.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,713 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,530 | $20.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,570 in Alexandria, LA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Alexandria is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
11.526
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses 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 0.77 indicates that Alexandria, LA has a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers. While not a high-demand area by concentration, there is a consistent presence of these positions within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $21,120↓ 14% | 37 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,180↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,630↓ 8% | 37 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,230↓ 5% | 79 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,140↓ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Alexandria, LA is $24,570. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $43,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 35.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $24,570 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($21,120) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a waiter's salary in Alexandria, LA?
Experience is a key driver of salary for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while those with several years of experience and advanced service skills can command higher wages, reflecting their value to employers.
What is the Cost of Living in Alexandria, LA compared to the national average?
Alexandria, LA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither more expensive nor cheaper than the typical U.S. location.
How many waiter and waitress jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Alexandria, LA?
There are approximately 11.526 jobs for waiters and waitresses per 1,000 workers in Alexandria, LA, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local labor market.
Is the job market for waiters and waitresses concentrated in Alexandria, LA?
The job market for waiters and waitresses in Alexandria, LA is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.77. This suggests a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these positions relative to other occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 11.526 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alexandria, LA