Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Hawaii
Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii earn an impressive average annual salary of $59,710, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,360. This substantial difference is largely driven by Hawaii's unique economic landscape, including its robust tourism sector and the inherent costs associated with operating in an island state, which necessitate higher wages to attract and retain service industry professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,480.
- Outlook: The job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii appears robust, with a local workforce of 13,830 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.49 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for service professionals within the state's thriving hospitality industry.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii earns+55.7%above the national average.
$28.7
$1,148
$4,976
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii over the past four years. Factors such as increasing tourism, rising operational costs for businesses, and a competitive labor market likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these essential service roles.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Hawaii
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii. Entry-level positions typically offer a starting wage, but with accumulated experience, skill development, and potentially supervisory responsibilities, individuals can advance to higher-paying roles. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding seasoned professionals with greater compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $44,783 | $21.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $48,570 | $23.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $74,638 | $35.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $105,480 | $50.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,068
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
While the nominal average annual salary of $59,710 for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii is attractive, it must be considered against the state's elevated Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that while earnings are high, the purchasing power of that salary is significantly impacted by the higher costs of goods, services, and housing, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
13,830
Total Jobs
22.28
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Hawaii has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
Hawaii's Location Quotient of 1.49 for Waiters and Waitresses signifies a market where these roles are 49% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a highly competitive yet abundant job market, indicating strong demand from employers within the state's prominent tourism and hospitality sectors, and a substantial pool of available positions for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,990↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $78,510↑ 31% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii is $59,710. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $105,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 55.7% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, but with significant cost considerations.Hawaii offers a substantially higher average salary for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. However, this is balanced by a significantly higher cost of living, meaning the real disposable income may not be as disproportionately high as the nominal salary suggests.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii is 186.2. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($53,990) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the number of Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii compare to the national average?
With 22.28 jobs per 1,000 workers, Hawaii has a notably higher concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average, reflecting the state's strong reliance on the tourism and hospitality industries.
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Hawaii?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii is $59,710, which is considerably higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Hawaii affect the Waiter and Waitress salary?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning expenses are significantly higher than the national average. While the salary is high, the increased cost of living means that the purchasing power of that salary is reduced compared to lower-cost states.
Is there high demand for Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.49 indicates a higher concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in Hawaii than the national average, suggesting strong demand driven by the state's tourism-dependent economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,830 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 22.28 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 Hawaii