SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Decatur, IL

Waiters and waitresses in Decatur, IL earn an average annual salary of $32,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service-oriented profession in Decatur.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,270.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.87, Decatur presents a slightly below-average concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national landscape. While not a hub for this specific occupation, the presence of 12.931 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,100

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, IL earns-16.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.4

Weekly

$617

Monthly

$2,675

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL

Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Decatur, IL, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive customer service skills and a proven track record can command higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as one gains more experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,075$11.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,120$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,125$19.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,270$17

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $32,100 in Decatur, IL, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary within Decatur is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.

Job Market Context

590

Total Jobs

12.931

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Decatur, IL has 0.87x 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 0.87 indicates that Decatur, IL, has a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is neither exceptionally competitive nor oversaturated, implying a steady but not overwhelming demand for qualified individuals within the local hospitality industry.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Decatur, IL?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Decatur, IL is $32,100. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 16.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Decatur, IL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?

No, Decatur, IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $32,100 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($35,470) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does Decatur's waiter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Decatur, IL, is $32,100, which is lower than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Decatur, IL for waiters?

Decatur, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a $32,100 salary is comparable to the national average.

How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Decatur?

The job market for waiters and waitresses in Decatur has a Location Quotient of 0.87, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market.

What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in Decatur?

There are approximately 590 waiters and waitresses employed in Decatur, IL, representing about 12.931 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 12.931 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.