SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Birmingham, AL

Waiters and waitresses in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $25,030. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors, including the prevailing wage scales and the overall demand within the service industry, contribute to this regional pay disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,010.
  • Outlook: Birmingham, AL, supports a substantial workforce of 6,820 waiters and waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market for this profession within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,030

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Birmingham, AL earns-34.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12

Weekly

$481

Monthly

$2,086

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Birmingham, AL, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and established client bases can command significantly higher earnings, reflecting a clear career trajectory and the value of accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$16,070$7.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,773$9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$21,930$10.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,288$15
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,010$17.3

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $25,030 in Birmingham, AL, 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 this salary is comparable to that of a waiter or waitress earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.

Job Market Context

6,820

Total Jobs

13.165

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Birmingham, AL has 0.88x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, Birmingham, AL, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, the market is not oversaturated, indicating a moderate level of competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Tuscaloosa, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary$25,200↑ 1%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,780↓ 9%50 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,530↓ 10%50 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$23,000↓ 8%50 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary$22,400↓ 11%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Birmingham, AL is $25,030. This typically ranges from $16,070 for entry-level positions to $36,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 34.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,030 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($25,200) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

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

Waiters and waitresses in Birmingham, AL earn an average of $25,030 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham, AL, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many waiters and waitresses work in Birmingham, AL?

There are approximately 6,820 waiters and waitresses employed in Birmingham, AL.

Is the job market for waiters and waitresses in Birmingham, AL competitive?

The market is moderately competitive, with a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles 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 6,820 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 13.165 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL