Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Appleton, WI
Waiters and Waitresses in Appleton, WI, earn an average annual salary of $32,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of hospitality businesses in Appleton directly influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 53.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,720.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,730 individuals in this role, Appleton presents a moderately sized market for Waiters and Waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Appleton compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Appleton, WI earns-14.7%below the national average.
$15.7
$629
$2,727
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Appleton's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for service industry roles over time, though local market forces can moderate this growth.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Appleton, WI
Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and potentially supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the hospitality field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,740 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,540 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,130 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,900 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,720 | $22.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,720 in Appleton, WI, 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 equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages and living expenses are in equilibrium.
Job Market Context
1,730
Total Jobs
13.957
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Appleton, WI has 0.93x 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 0.93 suggests that the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Appleton is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive landscape where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,110↑ 1% | 20 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,060↓ 5% | 26 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,490↓ 7% | 35 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,140↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,610↓ 6% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Appleton, WI
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Appleton, WI?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Appleton, WI is $32,720. This typically ranges from $17,740 for entry-level positions to $47,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Appleton, WI is 14.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Appleton, WI a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,720 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Appleton, WI a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Appleton, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Appleton, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($33,110) and Green Bay, WI.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 13.957 jobs per 1,000 workers, Appleton's concentration of waiter and waitress roles is slightly below the national average, reflecting the overall market size and demand.
What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 0.93?
A Location Quotient of 0.93 means that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in Appleton's workforce is 7% lower than the national average, indicating a slightly less concentrated industry presence.
Does experience significantly impact a waiter's salary in Appleton?
Yes, like most roles, experience is a key factor. Seniority and demonstrated skill typically lead to higher earnings, moving individuals into higher salary percentiles.
How does Appleton's cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Appleton's expenses are average. Therefore, the $32,720 salary provides average purchasing power, balancing the lower nominal wage against typical living costs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,730 employees in the Appleton, WI area with a job density of 13.957 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 Appleton, WI