Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Dover, DE
Waiters and waitresses in Dover, Delaware, earn an average annual salary of $38,240. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $38,360, indicating a stable and competitive compensation landscape within the state. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Dover's hospitality sector likely contribute to this alignment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,610.
- Outlook: Dover, DE supports a substantial workforce of 980 individuals in waiter and waitress roles. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent and steady demand for service professionals. The presence of 14.37 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the robustness of the local job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Dover, DE earns-0.3%below the national average.
$18.4
$735
$3,187
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving service industry standards typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for these roles.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Dover, DE, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and a proven track record in customer service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,680 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,050 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,800 | $23 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,610 | $27.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,240 in Dover, DE, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Dover is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, relocating to Dover for this profession offers no immediate cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage compared to the national median.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
14.37
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Dover, DE has 0.96x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, Dover, DE, presents a job market for waiters and waitresses that is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates that the proportion of these roles within Dover's workforce is very close to the national proportion. The market is neither exceptionally saturated nor unusually scarce, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,710↑ 1% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $44,830↑ 17% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,000↑ 5% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,710↑ 6% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $44,870↑ 17% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Dover, DE is $38,240. This typically ranges from $27,560 for entry-level positions to $57,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 0.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $38,240 is almost identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This means there's no substantial financial advantage to working as a waiter or waitress in Dover compared to the rest of the country.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($38,710) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Dover, DE, is $38,240, which is very close to the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiter jobs in Dover, DE?
Dover, DE has a Location Quotient of 0.96 for waiters and waitresses, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average but very close to it.
Does the cost of living in Dover affect the value of a waiter's salary?
No, the cost of living in Dover is exactly at the national average (100), so the $38,240 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many waiter and waitress jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Dover, DE?
There are approximately 14.37 jobs for waiters and waitresses per 1,000 workers in Dover, DE.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 14.37 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 Dover, DE
- All Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Production Occupations Salary in Dover, DE
- Browse All Jobs in Dover, DE →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Dover, DE