Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Dalton, GA
Waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA, can expect an average annual salary of $25,640. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Dalton area. The cost of living in Dalton is precisely at the national average, making this salary difference a key consideration for professionals in the field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,670.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.69, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA, appears to be less concentrated than the national average. While the number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 10.328, suggesting a moderate presence, the lower LQ indicates that this profession is not a dominant sector within the local economy compared to national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Dalton, GA earns-33.2%below the national average.
$12.3
$493
$2,137
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dalton, GA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses nationwide have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving service industry demands. This trend likely extends to Dalton, though the rate of increase may vary based on local economic conditions and the specific dynamics of the hospitality sector in the region.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Dalton, GA
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses typically correlates with experience and skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized service skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning power as one moves from novice to senior roles within the service industry.
| 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) | $19,230 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $19,010 | $9.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,050 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,670 | $22 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,640 in Dalton, GA, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of that income within Dalton is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in terms of essential expenses.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
10.328
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Dalton, GA has 0.69x 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 0.69 for waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA, suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This indicates that while opportunities exist, the demand for these roles may not be as robust or as defining a feature of Dalton's economy as it is on a broader scale. The market is likely less saturated, potentially offering a different competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,480↑ 11% | 26 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,760↑ 8% | 29 mi |
| Rome, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,610↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Gainesville, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,060↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,590↑ 12% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dalton, GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Dalton, GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Dalton, GA is $25,640. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $45,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dalton, GA is 33.2% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Dalton, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Dalton, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $25,640 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Dalton, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Dalton, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dalton, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chattanooga, TN-GA ($28,480) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Dalton's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA, is $25,640, which is considerably lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Dalton, GA?
Dalton, GA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the waiter job market in Dalton, GA?
The job market for waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA, is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.69, suggesting it's not a primary employment sector.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA?
There are approximately 690 individuals employed as waiters and waitresses in Dalton, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Dalton, GA area with a job density of 10.328 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 Dalton, GA