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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS

Waiters and waitresses in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $35,440, which is slightly below the national average of $38,360. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, including the specific demand for hospitality services and the overall cost of living within the metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 52.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,590.
  • Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS market supports a substantial workforce of approximately 18,000 waiters and waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the job market demonstrates a steady demand for skilled service professionals within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,440

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-7.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17

Weekly

$682

Monthly

$2,953

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS

Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Kansas City, MO-KS is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with proven track records in customer service and potentially supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation based on tenure and skill.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,660$9.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,580$12.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,210$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,300$21.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$59,590$28.6

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,440 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in this city is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard level of affordability for residents.

Job Market Context

18,000

Total Jobs

16.458

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.1, Kansas City, MO-KS shows a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress positions than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not saturated, there is a robust and perhaps slightly more competitive environment for these roles compared to other areas, indicating a healthy demand within the local hospitality sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Lawrence, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary$36,930↑ 4%38 mi
St. Joseph, MO-KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary$31,750↓ 10%47 mi
Topeka, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary$34,660↓ 2%60 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Kansas City, MO-KS?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kansas City, MO-KS is $35,440. This typically ranges from $20,660 for entry-level positions to $59,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 7.6% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?

No, but it is stable.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a stable employment environment.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($36,930) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.

How does experience affect a waiter's salary in Kansas City?

Experience significantly impacts earning potential, with senior staff and those with specialized skills often earning more than entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for waiters and waitresses in Kansas City?

The job outlook is stable, with a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating consistent demand.

Does the cost of living in Kansas City impact waiter salaries?

The cost of living in Kansas City is at the national average, meaning the $35,440 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.

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

The average salary in Kansas City is approximately $2,920 less than the national average of $38,360.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,000 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 16.458 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 Kansas City, MO-KS