Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Jackson, MS
Waiters and waitresses in Jackson, Mississippi, earn an average annual salary of $25,220. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors, including the prevailing wage scales and the specific demand within the service industry in Jackson, contribute to this disparity in compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,950.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,020 individuals in this role, Jackson, MS, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for waiters and waitresses. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Jackson, MS earns-34.3%below the national average.
$12.1
$485
$2,102
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jackson, MS is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses nationwide have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving service industry standards. This trend likely extends to Jackson, with potential for modest annual increases in average earnings.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical salary range signifies that experienced professionals can command higher earnings than those just starting out, with significant gaps between the 25th and 75th percentiles reflecting this career trajectory.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,010 | $7.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,915 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,880 | $10 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,525 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,950 | $18.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,220 in Jackson, MS, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal income may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within Jackson is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the lower wage is offset by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
3,020
Total Jobs
11.255
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Jackson, MS has 0.75x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that waiters and waitresses are employed in Jackson, MS, at a rate slightly below the national average concentration. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated, and the demand is relatively standard compared to other professions within the city.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,710↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,710↓ 10% | 43 mi |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,730↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,050↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,900↓ 9% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jackson, MS
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Jackson, MS?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Jackson, MS is $25,220. This typically ranges from $16,010 for entry-level positions to $38,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 34.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Jackson, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $25,220 is significantly below the national average of $38,360. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower wage means less disposable income compared to higher-paying regions.
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($23,710) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a waiter in Jackson, MS?
The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in Jackson, MS is $25,220.
How does Jackson, MS compare to the national average for waiter salaries?
Waiters and waitresses in Jackson, MS earn considerably less than the national average, with a salary of $25,220 compared to the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiter jobs in Jackson, MS?
The concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Jackson, MS, is slightly below the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.75.
How does the cost of living in Jackson, MS affect waiter salaries?
Jackson, MS has a cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means the lower average salary of $25,220 for waiters and waitresses has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,020 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 11.255 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 Jackson, MS