Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Waiters and waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL earn an average annual salary of $24,040. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local hospitality sector. The cost of living in Auburn-Opelika aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,010.
- Outlook: The job market for waiters and waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL, shows a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.27, which is above the national average. With 19.034 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 1,370 in this role, the demand appears robust and slightly more prevalent than in many other areas across the country.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-37.3%below the national average.
$11.6
$462
$2,003
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Auburn-Opelika is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer spending habits likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for dedicated service professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in customer service, fine dining, and upselling can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this profession signify clear career progression opportunities for those who develop specialized skills and build a strong reputation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,960 | $7.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,030 | $8.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,090 | $10.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,050 | $14.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,010 | $16.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,040 for waiters and waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within Auburn-Opelika is comparable to the national average, indicating that the lower wages are balanced by lower overall expenses.
Job Market Context
1,370
Total Jobs
19.034
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.27, Auburn-Opelika, AL, demonstrates a higher concentration of waiter and waitress positions compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is relatively more abundant for these roles, potentially indicating a stronger demand or a more specialized local industry focus on hospitality services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,550↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,180↑ 1% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,680↓ 1% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,780↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,530↓ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $24,040. This typically ranges from $15,960 for entry-level positions to $34,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 37.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the average annual salary of $24,040 is significantly below the national average of $38,360 for waiters and waitresses.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($23,550) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the Auburn-Opelika waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $24,040, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there compared to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The Location Quotient of 1.27 suggests a higher-than-average concentration of waiter and waitress jobs, indicating a relatively strong local demand for these positions.
How many waiters and waitresses work in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
There are approximately 1,370 waiters and waitresses employed in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area, representing 19.034 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 19.034 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL