Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Waiters and waitresses in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting localized economic factors or market dynamics are at play. The specific pay scales within this region are influenced by a combination of local demand, operational costs for establishments, and the overall economic climate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,070.
- Outlook: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area supports a substantial workforce of 43,170 individuals in waiter and waitress roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for service professionals. The presence of 15.031 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA earns-25.5%below the national average.
$13.7
$550
$2,383
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses across the nation, including in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, have experienced incremental growth. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increases in the minimum wage, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses is strongly tied to experience and skill development. 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 command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential 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) | $21,443 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,270 | $9.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,738 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,070 | $23.1 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $28,590 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, the nominal income for waiters and waitresses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also aligned with national benchmarks, presenting a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
43,170
Total Jobs
15.031
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.01 for waiters and waitresses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, indicates that the job market for this profession is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without significant over-saturation or a pronounced shortage of workers compared to other regions across the United States.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,060↓ 9% | 49 mi |
| Rome, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,610↓ 7% | 58 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,800↓ 10% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,220↓ 12% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,720↓ 17% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $28,590. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $48,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 25.5% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,590 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360, although the Cost of Living is at the national average.
Is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($26,060) and Rome, GA.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average concentration?
The Location Quotient of 1.01 signifies that the concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and comparable market.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in the Atlanta area?
The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metropolitan area employs a substantial workforce of 43,170 individuals in the role of waiters and waitresses.
How does the Atlanta waiter salary compare to the national average salary?
Waiters and waitresses in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA, earn an average of $28,590 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $38,360.
Does the Cost of Living in Atlanta affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average, the $28,590 salary in Atlanta has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 43,170 employees in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area with a job density of 15.031 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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA