Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Knoxville, TN
Waiters and waitresses in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $29,870. 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 this service industry role in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,930.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,410 individuals in this role, Knoxville presents a substantial employment base for waiters and waitresses. The Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a robust job market for this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Knoxville, TN earns-22.1%below the national average.
$14.4
$574
$2,489
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving service industry demands likely contribute to gradual salary increases for these roles over time.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts earning potential for waiters and waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in fine dining or specialized service environments can command higher wages. The progression from lower to higher salary percentiles reflects the accumulation of skills, customer service expertise, and potentially supervisory responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,403 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,100 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,338 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,930 | $22.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,870 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this salary.
Job Market Context
7,410
Total Jobs
17.722
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.19 signifies that Knoxville has a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and somewhat more abundant job market for these professionals in Knoxville, potentially indicating more opportunities and a competitive environment for hiring.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,500↓ 1% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,760↓ 7% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,600↑ 12% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,070↑ 7% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,470↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Knoxville, TN is $29,870. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $46,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 22.1% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $29,870 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($29,500) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Knoxville has 17.722 jobs per 1,000 workers for waiters and waitresses, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a good presence of these roles in the local economy.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses employed in Knoxville?
There are approximately 7,410 waiters and waitresses employed in Knoxville, TN, representing a significant segment of the local service industry workforce.
Does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the value of a waiter's salary?
No, the cost of living in Knoxville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $29,870 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How does Knoxville's job concentration for waiters compare to the national level?
Knoxville's Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs than the national average, suggesting a slightly stronger local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,410 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 17.722 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 Knoxville, TN