Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Erie, PA
Waiters and waitresses in Erie, PA, earn an average annual salary of $32,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics in Erie influence compensation for these service roles. The specific pay rates are intrinsically tied to the regional economic landscape and the overall cost of doing business for hospitality establishments within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,750.
- Outlook: Erie, PA supports a substantial workforce of 1,830 waiters and waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these roles in Erie is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps slightly growing demand for service professionals in the area. This suggests a robust job market for individuals seeking employment as waiters and waitresses in Erie.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Erie, PA earns-15.9%below the national average.
$15.5
$620
$2,688
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Erie, PA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the service industry. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer spending habits that impact the hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Erie, PA
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Erie, PA, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would likely show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,890 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,195 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,325 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,750 | $26.3 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,260 for waiters and waitresses in Erie, PA, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the earnings are below the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of this salary in Erie is equivalent to the national average, making the financial aspect of living in Erie comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,830
Total Jobs
15.321
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Erie, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, Erie, PA, exhibits a job market for waiters and waitresses that is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence of these roles within the local economy, indicating a competitive yet accessible market for job seekers. The slight overrepresentation implies that opportunities may be readily available, but employers may also have a reasonable pool of candidates to choose from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $36,880↑ 14% | 76 mi |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $52,620↑ 63% | 83 mi |
| Cleveland, OH Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $39,130↑ 21% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Erie, PA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Erie, PA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Erie, PA is $32,260. This typically ranges from $16,890 for entry-level positions to $54,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 15.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Erie, PA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, Erie, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,260 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Erie, PA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($36,880) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.
How does the Erie, PA waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Erie, PA, earn an average of $32,260 annually, which is approximately $6,100 less than the national average salary of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Erie, PA?
The concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Erie, PA, is slightly above the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.03.
How does the cost of living in Erie, PA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Erie, PA, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $32,260 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in Erie, PA?
There are approximately 1,830 waiters and waitresses employed in Erie, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,830 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 15.321 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 Erie, PA