Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Decatur, AL
In Decatur, AL, the average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses stands at $24,100. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Decatur area. Factors such as the regional cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of Alabama contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,100.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 750 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Decatur presents a slightly below-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national landscape. While the total workforce size indicates a stable presence, the concentration suggests that opportunities might be moderately available but not exceptionally abundant, requiring a nuanced approach to job seeking.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, AL earns-37.2%below the national average.
$11.6
$463
$2,008
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's Waiter and Waitress salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of modest salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive incremental increases in service industry wages, suggesting that current earnings may have seen a slight uptick from previous years.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and perhaps supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify this clear career trajectory and the financial rewards of developing expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,790 | $7.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,075 | $8.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,260 | $10.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,125 | $14.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,100 in Decatur, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within Decatur is comparable to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
12.678
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.85x 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.
Decatur's Location Quotient of 0.85 indicates that the employment of Waiters and Waitresses is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce for this profession. While there are opportunities, the lower concentration implies that employers may have a steady, but not overwhelming, demand for these services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,820↑ 7% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,800↓ 1% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,280↓ 8% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,030↑ 4% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,910↑ 16% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, AL is $24,100. This typically ranges from $15,790 for entry-level positions to $35,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 37.2% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $24,100 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is comparable locally.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($25,820) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, AL is $24,100, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are there in Decatur, AL?
There are approximately 750 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Decatur, AL, representing about 12.678 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses competitive in Decatur, AL?
With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 12.678 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 Decatur, AL