Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Elizabethtown, KY
Waiters and waitresses in Elizabethtown, KY earn an average annual salary of $28,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Elizabethtown's hospitality sector. The cost of living in Elizabethtown aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,550.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.9, Elizabethtown presents a slightly below-average concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national landscape. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these professionals. The presence of 13.397 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for service staff within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Elizabethtown, KY earns-25.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,397
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in Elizabethtown have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely be influenced by factors such as minimum wage adjustments, increased demand for dining services, and the overall economic health of the region.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Elizabethtown, KY
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often leading to higher earnings. While specific percentile data isn't available, it's understood that senior staff with extensive experience and potentially supervisory responsibilities command higher salaries than their junior counterparts. The gap between entry-level and senior pay signifies the value placed on accumulated skills and customer service expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,490 | $7.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,570 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,020 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,550 | $23.8 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,760 in Elizabethtown, KY, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within Elizabethtown is comparable to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Elizabethtown as a waiter or waitress would likely result in a similar standard of living in terms of expenses.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
13.397
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Elizabethtown, KY has 0.90x 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.
Elizabethtown's Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of waiters and waitresses is just slightly below the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce for these roles. While there is a steady presence of these positions, the slightly lower quotient implies that opportunities might be more competitive than in areas with a higher concentration, but still readily available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,900↑ 7% | 39 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,150↓ 6% | 59 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,780↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,630↓ 14% | 66 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,130↓ 13% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elizabethtown, KY
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Elizabethtown, KY?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Elizabethtown, KY is $28,760. This typically ranges from $15,490 for entry-level positions to $49,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elizabethtown, KY is 25.0% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,760 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living aligns with the national average, meaning the lower salary offers comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elizabethtown, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($30,900) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Elizabethtown waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Elizabethtown, KY is $28,760, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Elizabethtown, KY?
Elizabethtown, KY has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
How concentrated are waiter and waitress jobs in Elizabethtown?
The Location Quotient for waiters and waitresses in Elizabethtown is 0.9, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Elizabethtown?
There are approximately 690 waiters and waitresses employed in Elizabethtown, KY, representing a consistent segment of the local service industry workforce.
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 Elizabethtown, KY area with a job density of 13.397 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 Elizabethtown, KY