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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Ithaca, NY

Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca, NY, command an impressive average annual salary of $50,830, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,360. This elevated pay scale is often influenced by the specific economic drivers and demand within Ithaca, potentially linked to its vibrant university town atmosphere and tourism.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,870.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Ithaca presents a moderately concentrated market for Waiters and Waitresses. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the presence of nearly 13 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for these service professionals within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,830

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca, NY earns+32.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.4

Weekly

$978

Monthly

$4,236

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Ithaca, NY

Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca, NY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills, such as sommelier knowledge or advanced customer service techniques, can command significantly higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$38,123$18.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,610$22.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$63,538$30.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$77,870$37.4

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,830 in Ithaca, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

610

Total Jobs

12.694

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ithaca, NY has 0.85x 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 0.85 indicates that Ithaca has a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and in demand, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the workforce or seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Elmira, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$49,250↓ 3%29 mi
Binghamton, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$52,750↑ 4%39 mi
Syracuse, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$52,710↑ 4%45 mi
Rochester, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$51,370↑ 1%75 mi
Utica-Rome, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$51,400↑ 1%79 mi

Comparing salaries near Ithaca, NY

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Ithaca, NY?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca, NY is $50,830. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $77,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ithaca, NY is 32.5% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is Ithaca, NY a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, Ithaca, NY offers a lucrative environment for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $50,830 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living matching the national index, the effective earning potential is strong.

Is Ithaca, NY a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Ithaca, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ithaca, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Elmira, NY ($49,250) and Binghamton, NY.

How does Ithaca's waiter salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca earn an average of $50,830 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in Ithaca, NY for Waiters and Waitresses?

The cost of living in Ithaca, NY is at the national average (index of 100), meaning that the higher local salaries maintain purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.

How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Ithaca?

The job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Ithaca has a Location Quotient of 0.85, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a balanced market.

What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses employed in Ithaca?

There are approximately 610 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Ithaca, NY, contributing to the local service industry workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Ithaca, NY area with a job density of 12.694 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ithaca, NY