Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Gainesville, GA
Waiters and waitresses in Gainesville, GA, earn an average annual salary of $26,060. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service sector role in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 1,300 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Gainesville, GA, exhibits a slightly below-average concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national landscape. This indicates a stable, yet not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Gainesville, GA earns-32.1%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,172
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gainesville's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in this sector experiences modest annual growth, influenced by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving consumer spending habits. This trend would likely see a gradual increase from the current average, reflecting broader economic shifts.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Gainesville, GA
The salary trajectory for waiters and waitresses typically escalates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can command higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the potential for career progression and increased earning capacity as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,545 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $19,650 | $9.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,575 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,700 | $22.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,060 in Gainesville, GA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
12.651
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Gainesville, GA has 0.85x 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 0.85 for waiters and waitresses in Gainesville, GA, signifies that the employment concentration for this role is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector in the local economy compared to national trends, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,800↓ 1% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,590↑ 10% | 49 mi |
| Dalton, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,640↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Rome, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,610↑ 2% | 77 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,760↑ 7% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gainesville, GA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Gainesville, GA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Gainesville, GA is $26,060. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $46,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gainesville, GA is 32.1% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Gainesville, GA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Gainesville, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $26,060 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal pay indicates less earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Gainesville, GA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Gainesville, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gainesville, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Athens-Clarke County, GA ($25,800) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
What is the average salary for a waiter or waitress in Gainesville, GA?
The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Gainesville, GA is $26,060.
How does Gainesville's waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Gainesville, GA earn approximately $12,300 less annually than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Gainesville, GA?
The cost of living in Gainesville, GA is at the national average, with an index of 100.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Gainesville, GA?
There are approximately 1,300 waiters and waitresses employed in Gainesville, GA, representing 12.651 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Gainesville, GA area with a job density of 12.651 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 Gainesville, GA
- All Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Production Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Management Occupations Salary in Gainesville, GA
- Browse All Jobs in Gainesville, GA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Gainesville, GA