Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Huntsville, AL
Waiters and waitresses in Huntsville, AL earn an average annual salary of $25,820. 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 within the service industry in this Alabama city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,570.
- Outlook: Huntsville's market for waiters and waitresses comprises a substantial workforce of 3,070 individuals. The location quotient of 0.79 indicates that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Huntsville, AL earns-32.7%below the national average.
$12.4
$497
$2,152
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Huntsville's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in the service industry, like most professions, has experienced incremental growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving economic conditions, which would likely have led to a modest upward trend in earnings for these roles.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL
As with most service-oriented positions, experience significantly influences earning potential for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level roles typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, strong customer service skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The salary distribution, often represented by different pay percentiles, clearly signifies this career progression.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,500 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,365 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,120 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,275 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,570 | $17.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,820 for waiters and waitresses in Huntsville, AL, aligns directly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by these professionals in Huntsville has the same purchasing power as the national average, offering a neutral financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,070
Total Jobs
11.792
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Huntsville, AL has 0.79x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.79, the market for waiters and waitresses in Huntsville, AL is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the job market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,100↓ 7% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,800↓ 8% | 59 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,280↓ 14% | 60 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,910↑ 8% | 73 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,360↑ 2% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Huntsville, AL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Huntsville, AL is $25,820. This typically ranges from $16,500 for entry-level positions to $36,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 32.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Huntsville, AL is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,820 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($24,100) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
What is the average salary for a waiter or waitress in Huntsville, AL?
The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Huntsville, AL is $25,820.
How does the Huntsville waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Huntsville ($25,820) is considerably lower than the national average ($38,360).
What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville, AL has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many waiters and waitresses are there in Huntsville, AL?
There are approximately 3,070 waiters and waitresses employed in Huntsville, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,070 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 11.792 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 Huntsville, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Huntsville, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL