Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Kokomo, IN
Waiters and waitresses in Kokomo, Indiana, earn an average annual salary of $29,380. This figure falls below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Kokomo's hospitality sector. The cost of living in Kokomo aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary comparison particularly relevant for residents.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,580.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 710 individuals in this role, Kokomo presents a moderately sized employment landscape for waiters and waitresses. The Location Quotient of 1.34 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is 34% higher than the national average, implying a relatively strong local demand for this profession compared to other occupations within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Kokomo, IN earns-23.4%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,448
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kokomo's waiter and waitress salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national patterns over the past four years. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental salary increases for service industry roles, suggesting that earnings for these professionals in Kokomo have likely seen modest growth.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Kokomo, IN
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves gaining experience, which often leads to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies the opportunities for advancement and increased compensation within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,580 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,035 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,540 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,725 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,580 | $22.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,380 in Kokomo, IN, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by a waiter or waitress in Kokomo has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with an average cost of living. Therefore, the salary is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the local economic environment.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
19.944
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Kokomo, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.34 for waiters and waitresses in Kokomo, IN, indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. An LQ greater than 1.0 suggests that this profession is more prevalent in Kokomo relative to its overall employment base than it is nationally. This could signify a robust local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors the employment of waiters and waitresses.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,150↑ 3% | 39 mi |
| Muncie, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,500↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,240↓ 0% | 43 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,470↑ 0% | 43 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,520↑ 0% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kokomo, IN
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Kokomo, IN?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Kokomo, IN is $29,380. This typically ranges from $17,580 for entry-level positions to $46,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kokomo, IN is 23.4% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Kokomo, IN a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,380 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.34) suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Kokomo, IN a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Kokomo, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kokomo, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN ($30,150) and Muncie, IN.
How does Kokomo's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Kokomo, IN, is $29,380, which is notably lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Kokomo, IN?
Kokomo, IN has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Kokomo?
With a Location Quotient of 1.34, there is a higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Kokomo compared to the national average, suggesting a relatively strong local demand for these roles.
How many waiters and waitresses work in Kokomo?
There are approximately 710 waiters and waitresses employed in Kokomo, IN, representing about 19.944 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Kokomo, IN area with a job density of 19.944 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 Kokomo, IN