SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Bloomington, IL

Waiters and waitresses in Bloomington, IL, earn an average annual salary of $32,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role in the area. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of hospitality businesses in Bloomington contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,310.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.14, Bloomington, IL, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This indicates a steady, if not slightly elevated, demand for these professionals, suggesting a robust job market that can support the existing workforce and potentially absorb new entrants.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,730

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Bloomington, IL earns-14.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$629

Monthly

$2,728

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Bloomington, IL

Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Bloomington, IL, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation reflects the value placed on experience, customer service expertise, and potentially supervisory responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,548$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,120$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,913$19.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,310$20.8

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,730 in Bloomington, IL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services in Bloomington is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.

Job Market Context

1,540

Total Jobs

17.065

Per 1K Jobs

1.14

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.14, Bloomington, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.14 signifies that Bloomington, IL, has a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress positions relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present and perhaps slightly outpaces the national average, offering opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Bloomington, IL?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Bloomington, IL is $32,730. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bloomington, IL is 14.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Bloomington, IL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $32,730 is below the national average of $38,360, indicating less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.

Is Bloomington, IL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Bloomington, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($35,470) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Bloomington, IL has 17.065 jobs per 1,000 workers for Waiters and Waitresses, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy local demand for these roles.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Bloomington?

A Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests that Bloomington has a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses jobs than the national average, implying a moderately strong local market for this profession.

Does experience impact salary for waiters and waitresses in Bloomington?

Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries for waiters and waitresses, with senior roles commanding more than entry-level positions, reflecting a standard career progression.

How does the cost of living affect the waiter salary in Bloomington?

With a cost of living index of 100, the local salary of $32,730 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal salary is offset by average living expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Bloomington, IL area with a job density of 17.065 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.