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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Waiters and Waitresses in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,180. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $38,360, indicating a distinct regional compensation landscape. Such disparities are often influenced by local economic conditions, cost of living, and the overall demand for service industry professionals within the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $23,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,670.
  • Outlook: The Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 940 Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 12.108 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these positions within the region's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$23,180

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-39.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.1

Weekly

$446

Monthly

$1,932

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills (like fine dining service or sommelier knowledge), and strong customer rapport can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$15,080$7.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$17,385$8.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$16,240$7.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$28,975$13.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,670$18.1

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$23,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$23,180

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $23,180 in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area 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 equivalent to the national average due to the balanced cost of goods and services in the region.

Job Market Context

940

Total Jobs

12.108

Per 1K Jobs

0.81

Location Quotient

Below Average

Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.81x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Waiters and Waitresses are slightly less concentrated in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector in this specific region, implying a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist but may require active searching.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

Comparing salaries near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $23,180. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $37,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 39.6% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $23,180 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower pay scale makes it less financially rewarding compared to other regions.

Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($24,570) and Baton Rouge, LA.

How does the local waiter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $23,180, which is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360.

What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in this area?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.81, indicating that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in the local workforce is slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the lower nominal salary of $23,180 has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary would have nationally.

How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in this region?

There are approximately 940 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, representing about 12.108 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 940 employees in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.108 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.