Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Waiters and waitresses in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area earn an average annual salary of $25,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this hospitality sector. The specific economic landscape of Gulfport-Biloxi influences the wage structure for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,410.
- Outlook: The Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area supports a substantial workforce of 4,130 waiters and waitresses. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 26.06, the demand for these professionals is evident. The Location Quotient of 1.74 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, pointing to a robust and relatively abundant job market for hospitality service staff in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earns-33.9%below the national average.
$12.2
$488
$2,113
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses across the nation, including in areas like Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, have experienced incremental growth. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increases in the minimum wage, and evolving labor market dynamics that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff in the service industry.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in diverse dining environments can negotiate higher compensation. The gap between the lowest and highest percentile earnings signifies the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as individuals develop specialized skills and a strong reputation within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,880 | $7.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,013 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,540 | $9.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,688 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,410 | $18.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,350 for waiters and waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment where local wages are commensurate with local expenses.
Job Market Context
4,130
Total Jobs
26.06
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS has 1.7x the national concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.74 for waiters and waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, signifies that this profession is more concentrated in this metropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a larger proportion of jobs in this sector relative to other occupations compared to the rest of the country, making it a potentially favorable market for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,340↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,790↑ 2% | 57 mi |
| Mobile, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,440↓ 4% | 59 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,900↓ 10% | 63 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,810↓ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $25,350. This typically ranges from $15,880 for entry-level positions to $39,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 33.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $25,350 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($23,340) and New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
How does the Gulfport-Biloxi waiter/waitress salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $25,350, which is considerably lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiters and waitresses in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.74, indicating that this profession is more prevalent in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $25,350 salary has the same purchasing power in Gulfport-Biloxi as the national average salary has nationally.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area?
There are approximately 4,130 waiters and waitresses employed in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS 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 4,130 employees in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area with a job density of 26.06 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 Gulfport-Biloxi, MS