Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Waiters and Waitresses in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area earn an average annual salary of $41,630. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these service professionals. The concentration of this role within the local economy plays a significant part in shaping these earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,960 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood area demonstrates a robust job market for Waiters and Waitresses. While the quotient indicates a presence very close to the national average concentration, the sheer number of jobs per 1,000 workers (14.182) points to consistent demand and a stable employment environment for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns+8.5%above the national average.
$20
$801
$3,469
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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in the service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer spending habits likely contribute to this positive trajectory, enhancing the earning potential for experienced professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, strong customer service skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,150 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,223 | $15 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,260 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,038 | $25 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $73,790 | $35.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,630 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Waiters and Waitresses in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover local expenses.
Job Market Context
7,960
Total Jobs
14.182
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.95x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.95 for Waiters and Waitresses in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a healthy and competitive job market, neither significantly over-saturated nor unusually scarce, providing ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $39,140↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,000↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $37,860↓ 9% | 51 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,250↓ 3% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $37,460↓ 10% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $41,630. This typically ranges from $22,150 for entry-level positions to $73,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 8.5% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average annual salary of $41,630 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($39,140) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $41,630, which is higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are waiter jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The Location Quotient is 0.95, indicating that the concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in this area is very close to the national average.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area?
There are approximately 7,960 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,960 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 14.182 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI