SalaryNode

Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Killeen-Temple, TX

Waiters and waitresses in the Killeen-Temple, TX area earn an average annual salary of $30,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role. The specific economic landscape of Killeen-Temple influences the earning potential for these vital hospitality professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,590 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,010.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,910 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.86, the Killeen-Temple market for waiters and waitresses indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these positions within the region's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,590

The average Waiters and Waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX earns-20.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.7

Weekly

$588

Monthly

$2,549

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Killeen-Temple, TX

Salary progression for waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and proven customer service skills can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay often signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,080$8.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,943$11
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,090$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,238$18.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,010$22.6

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,590

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,590

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,590 in Killeen-Temple, TX, aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a waiter or waitress in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the take-home pay may offer a comparable lifestyle to other regions, without the added expense of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,910

Total Jobs

12.828

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Killeen-Temple, TX has 0.86x 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 0.86 for waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, it is not disproportionately higher than in other areas, implying a moderately competitive job market where employers may have a reasonable pool of candidates to draw from.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Killeen-Temple, TX?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX is $30,590. This typically ranges from $17,080 for entry-level positions to $47,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Killeen-Temple, TX is 20.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.

Is Killeen-Temple, TX a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,590 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.

Is Killeen-Temple, TX a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Killeen-Temple, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($29,760) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

How does Killeen-Temple's waiter salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX, earn an average of $30,590 annually, which is approximately $7,770 less than the national average of $38,360.

What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX?

The Killeen-Temple, TX metropolitan area employs approximately 1,910 individuals in the role of waiters and waitresses.

Does the cost of living in Killeen-Temple, TX affect waiter salaries?

The cost of living in Killeen-Temple, TX, is at the national average (100). This means the $30,590 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.

Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX?

With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the demand for waiters and waitresses in Killeen-Temple, TX, is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,910 employees in the Killeen-Temple, TX area with a job density of 12.828 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.