Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Waiters and Waitresses in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $28,480. 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-oriented role in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,920 individuals in this profession, Chattanooga demonstrates a solid presence of Waiters and Waitresses. The Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 22% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for this role within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-25.8%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,373
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or service industry demand. This suggests a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Experience significantly influences earning potential for Waiters and Waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record in customer service and upselling can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $21,360 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,210 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,600 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,560 | $22.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,480 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, indicating that the lower pay is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
4,920
Total Jobs
18.262
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that Chattanooga, TN-GA has a higher concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may have a wider pool of candidates, but also indicates a strong demand for these services within the local economy, potentially leading to more job openings than in less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,760↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,640↓ 10% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,610↓ 7% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,820↓ 9% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,280↓ 22% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $28,480. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $46,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 25.8% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Waiters and Waitresses is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($27,760) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $28,480, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the job concentration for Waiters and Waitresses in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a higher concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22, meaning there are 22% more jobs per worker than the national norm.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a waiter's salary in Chattanooga?
The cost of living in Chattanooga is exactly at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $28,480 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 4,920 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area, representing a significant portion of the local service industry workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,920 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 18.262 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Waiters and Waitresses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- All Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Production Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Management Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Browse All Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA