Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
Waiters and waitresses in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL area earn an average annual salary of $39,410. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,360, indicating a potentially favorable compensation landscape for these service professionals within the region. Local economic factors and demand likely contribute to this slightly elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,660.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,870 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.75, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area demonstrates a significant concentration of waiter and waitress positions relative to the national average. This robust presence suggests a healthy and active job market for these professionals, pointing towards consistent demand and employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL earns+2.7%above the national average.
$19
$758
$3,284
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for service industry positions over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. This suggests that the current average salary of $39,410 may have seen incremental increases, reflecting a positive trajectory for waiter and waitress compensation in the region.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, strong customer service skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would illustrate these gaps, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,558 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,730 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,263 | $23.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $71,660 | $34.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,410 in Cape Coral-Fort Myers aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers local expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
7,870
Total Jobs
26.186
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL has 1.8x the national concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.75 signifies that waiter and waitress jobs are approximately 75% more concentrated in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area than the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially competitive job market where demand for these roles is notably higher than in many other parts of the country, offering ample opportunities for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,650↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,980↓ 1% | 31 mi |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $41,870↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Sebring, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $36,940↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $39,370↓ 0% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is $39,410. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $71,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is 2.7% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $39,410 is above the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.75) suggests strong local demand.
Is Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Punta Gorda, FL ($38,650) and North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL.
How does the waiter salary in Cape Coral-Fort Myers compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is $39,410, which is slightly higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the job market like for waiters and waitresses in this area?
The job market is robust, with a significant concentration of these roles indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.75, suggesting higher demand relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a waiter's salary in Cape Coral-Fort Myers?
No, the local cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $39,410 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Cape Coral-Fort Myers?
There are approximately 7,870 waiters and waitresses employed in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area, representing 26.186 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 7,870 employees in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL area with a job density of 26.186 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 Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL