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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Altoona, PA

Waiters and waitresses in Altoona, PA earn an average annual salary of $30,820. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Altoona hospitality sector contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,160.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 820 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Altoona is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,820

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Altoona, PA earns-19.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.8

Weekly

$593

Monthly

$2,568

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA

Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, such as lead server or supervisor. Salary increases are often tied to years of experience, demonstrated performance, and the acquisition of advanced service skills, with significant percentile gaps reflecting this growth.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$16,720$8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,115$11.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,550$12.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,525$18.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,160$23.2

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,820 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely 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 Altoona is equivalent to the national standard.

Job Market Context

820

Total Jobs

14.124

Per 1K Jobs

0.95

Location Quotient

Below Average

Altoona, PA has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that Altoona, PA, has a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Johnstown, PA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$31,090↑ 1%30 mi
State College, PA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$35,320↑ 15%35 mi
Chambersburg, PA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$34,340↑ 11%56 mi
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Waiters and Waitresses Salary$39,120↑ 27%70 mi
Gettysburg, PA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$34,330↑ 11%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Altoona, PA?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Altoona, PA is $30,820. This typically ranges from $16,720 for entry-level positions to $48,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 19.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,820 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar. The job market concentration is also slightly below average.

Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($31,090) and State College, PA.

How does Altoona's waiter salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and waitresses in Altoona, PA, earn an average of $30,820 annually, which is $7,540 less than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Altoona, PA?

Altoona, PA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

How many waiters and waitresses are there in Altoona, PA?

There are approximately 820 waiters and waitresses employed in Altoona, PA, representing about 14.124 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Is the job market for waiters and waitresses in Altoona competitive?

With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting moderate competition for waiter and waitress positions in Altoona.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 14.124 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA