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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Bellingham, WA

Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $53,240, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,360. This elevated pay is often dictated by local economic factors and a demand for skilled service professionals within the Bellingham area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,130.
  • Outlook: Bellingham presents a stable employment landscape for Waiters and Waitresses, with a local workforce of 1,380 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.02 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent and steady demand for service staff in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,240

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham, WA earns+38.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.6

Weekly

$1,024

Monthly

$4,437

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data isn't available, the salary range generally widens with experience, reflecting increased responsibility and skill acquisition.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,590$17.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$39,930$19.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,100$22.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$66,550$32
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$82,130$39.5

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,240 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location.

Job Market Context

1,380

Total Jobs

15.219

Per 1K Jobs

1.02

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.02, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, offering consistent opportunities without extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham, WA is $53,240. This typically ranges from $35,590 for entry-level positions to $82,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 38.8% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, Bellingham, WA offers a lucrative environment for Waiters and Waitresses.The average salary of $53,240 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, earnings provide strong purchasing power.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($53,140) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

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

Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham earn an average of $53,240 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,360.

What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham?

The Location Quotient for Waiters and Waitresses in Bellingham is 1.02, indicating a job concentration that is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Bellingham affect salary?

Bellingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher average salary of $53,240 holds its value effectively in the local economy.

How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Bellingham?

There are approximately 1,380 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Bellingham, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 15.219 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.