Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Waiters and waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $28,330. 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 in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,590.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,390 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK is stable and closely mirrors national employment concentration. This indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-26.1%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,361
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the service sector nationally.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The salary range for waiters and waitresses typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can command higher earnings, with significant percentile gaps indicating clear career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,248 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,960 | $12.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,413 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,590 | $20 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,330 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
1,390
Total Jobs
14.385
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the employment concentration for waiters and waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the profession is neither significantly overrepresented nor underrepresented, implying a steady but not overly competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,770↑ 9% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,070↓ 1% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $28,330. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $41,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 26.1% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,330 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($30,770) and Hot Springs, AR.
What is the average salary for a waiter in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $28,330.
How does the Fort Smith waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Fort Smith ($28,330) is approximately $10,000 less than the national average ($38,360).
What does a Location Quotient of 0.96 mean for waiters in Fort Smith?
A Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Fort Smith is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith affect the waiter salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the lower nominal salary in Fort Smith offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower pay.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,390 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 14.385 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK