Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Burlington, NC
Waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $29,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Burlington area. The cost of living in Burlington aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,040.
- Outlook: The job market for waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC, appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 1,190 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, implying a steady demand for service professionals within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Burlington, NC earns-23.1%below the national average.
$14.2
$567
$2,458
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Burlington, NC, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits typically contribute to incremental increases in wages within the hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Burlington, NC
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the gap between entry-level and experienced professionals generally widens with tenure, reflecting a greater earning potential for those with established skills and a strong customer base.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,800 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,118 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,863 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,040 | $23.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $29,490 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Burlington, NC, directly reflects the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Burlington is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with an average cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,190
Total Jobs
17.504
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Burlington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.17 for waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC, indicates that the occupation is slightly more concentrated in this area than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market with a consistent demand for these service professionals relative to other employment opportunities in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,860↑ 11% | 20 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,480↑ 14% | 32 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,180↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,920↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,810↑ 4% | 36 mi |
Comparing salaries near Burlington, NC
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Burlington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Burlington, NC is $29,490. This typically ranges from $16,800 for entry-level positions to $49,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Burlington, NC is 23.1% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Burlington, NC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $29,490 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Burlington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Burlington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($32,860) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
How does the Burlington waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC, is $29,490, which is approximately 23% lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Burlington, NC?
Burlington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, there is a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Burlington compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these roles.
How many waiters and waitresses are there in Burlington, NC?
The total local workforce for waiters and waitresses in Burlington, NC, consists of approximately 1,190 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,190 employees in the Burlington, NC area with a job density of 17.504 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 Burlington, NC