SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Waiters and waitresses in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area earn an average annual salary of $25,730. 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 for this service-oriented role within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,360.
  • Outlook: The local job market for waiters and waitresses in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, appears robust, with a substantial workforce of 3,330 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.73 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially stable job market for experienced professionals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,730

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-32.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.4

Weekly

$495

Monthly

$2,144

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Experience is a key driver in salary progression for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in fine dining or specialized service environments can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one accumulates expertise and builds a reputation within the hospitality industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$19,298$9.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$18,700$9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,163$15.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,360$21.8

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $25,730 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where local wages are commensurate with local expenses.

Job Market Context

3,330

Total Jobs

40.714

Per 1K Jobs

2.73

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 2.7x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.73, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, exhibits a market that is more than twice as concentrated with waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong demand for these services, likely driven by the area's tourism and hospitality sector, making the job market competitive yet abundant for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Savannah, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$28,390↑ 10%28 mi
Hinesville, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$25,120↓ 2%57 mi
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Waiters and Waitresses Salary$25,380↓ 1%63 mi
Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$24,420↓ 5%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $25,730. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $45,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 32.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($28,390) and Hinesville, GA.

How many Waiters and Waitresses work in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

There are approximately 3,330 waiters and waitresses employed in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area.

What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in this area compared to the nation?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.73, meaning there are significantly more waiters and waitresses per worker in this area than the national average.

Does experience impact waiter and waitress salaries in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with senior roles commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career progression path.

How does the cost of living affect the salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

The cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $25,730 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,330 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 40.714 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC