Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Waiters and waitresses in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $33,480. 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 industry role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,400.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a substantial workforce of 3,650 waiters and waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the region. The presence of 10.67 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-12.7%below the national average.
$16.1
$644
$2,790
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving consumer spending habits that influence the hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior staff, who may possess specialized skills or manage shifts, generally signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,760 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,110 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,780 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,850 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,400 | $28.1 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,480 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by a waiter or waitress in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for the same role. While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
3,650
Total Jobs
10.67
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.71x 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 0.71 for waiters and waitresses in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and there may be moderate competition for available positions. Employers are likely to find a steady pool of candidates, but significant demand could still drive opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,420↓ 0% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,490↓ 12% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,860↓ 2% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,180↓ 7% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,920↓ 11% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $33,480. This typically ranges from $17,760 for entry-level positions to $58,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 12.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,480 is below the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($33,420) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the market?
With 10.67 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent demand for waiters and waitresses in Durham-Chapel Hill, indicating a healthy job market for this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient?
A Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that waiters and waitresses are slightly less common in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average, implying a stable but not overly competitive job market.
How does experience impact a waiter's salary in this area?
While specific data isn't provided, experience typically leads to higher salaries for waiters and waitresses, with senior staff often earning more due to increased skills and responsibilities.
Does the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill affect salary expectations?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is at the national average (100), meaning the $33,480 salary offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,650 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 10.67 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC