Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA earn an average annual salary of $25,800, which is notably below the national average of $38,360. This disparity is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand dynamics within a particular metropolitan area. Local factors such as the cost of doing business, the prevalence of dining establishments, and the overall economic health of Athens-Clarke County play a significant role in shaping compensation for service industry roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,760.
- Outlook: The job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA, appears moderately robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 1,950 individuals in this role. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.37, suggests that this occupation is more prevalent in Athens-Clarke County than the national average, indicating a steady demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-32.7%below the national average.
$12.4
$496
$2,150
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Athens-Clarke County is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. Increases in the cost of living and a persistent demand for service staff typically drive incremental salary increases in the hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific salary data across experience levels isn't detailed here, it's common for senior or lead servers to command higher wages than their junior counterparts. The percentile salary gaps, though not explicitly shown, signify the potential for earning growth as one gains experience and develops a stronger client base.
| 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) | $19,350 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $17,810 | $8.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,250 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,760 | $22 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,800 in Athens-Clarke County, GA, 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 profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,950
Total Jobs
20.494
Per 1K Jobs
1.37
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.37, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.37, Athens-Clarke County, GA, exhibits a higher concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This indicates a relatively strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the local job market. While not an overwhelmingly saturated market, the concentration suggests that opportunities may be more readily available than in areas with a lower quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,060↑ 1% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,590↑ 11% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,220↓ 2% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,720↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,450↓ 5% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $25,800. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $45,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 32.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($26,060) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How many Waiters and Waitresses work in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
There are approximately 1,950 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
What is the job concentration for Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The Location Quotient for Waiters and Waitresses in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 1.37, indicating a higher concentration than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County, GA compare nationally?
Athens-Clarke County, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Are there more Waiter and Waitress jobs per capita in Athens-Clarke County, GA than the national average?
Yes, Athens-Clarke County, GA has 20.494 jobs per 1,000 workers for Waiters and Waitresses, which is higher than 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 1,950 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 20.494 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA