Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lafayette, LA
Waiters and waitresses in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $23,230. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,360, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand dynamics. While the cost of living in Lafayette is on par with the national average, the lower salary suggests a less competitive market or different compensation structures compared to other areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,950.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,390 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Lafayette demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of waiters and waitresses than the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these service professionals within the local economy, suggesting a consistent job market for those entering or established in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette, LA earns-39.4%below the national average.
$11.2
$447
$1,936
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for waiters and waitresses in Lafayette, LA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This progression, though potentially modest, would align with broader shifts in the service industry and cost of living adjustments.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and potentially higher earnings. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range within the profession signifies that experience and demonstrated skill can lead to higher compensation, with senior staff commanding a premium.
| 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) | $17,423 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $16,470 | $7.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,038 | $14 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,950 | $18.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,230 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a waiter's or waitress's salary in Lafayette is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may stretch similarly within the local economic landscape.
Job Market Context
3,390
Total Jobs
19.321
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Lafayette, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
Lafayette, LA, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.29 for waiters and waitresses, indicating a job market where this profession is 29% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust demand and a slightly more competitive environment for these roles compared to other industries within the city, implying more opportunities but also potentially more candidates vying for them.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,490↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $21,120↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,180↓ 0% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,630↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,140↑ 4% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette, LA is $23,230. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $37,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 39.4% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Lafayette, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for waiters and waitresses based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $23,230 is significantly below the national average, even though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($23,490) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Lafayette, LA, earn an average of $23,230 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiter jobs in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette, LA has a Location Quotient of 1.29 for waiters and waitresses, meaning the profession is 29% more concentrated there than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a waiter's salary in Lafayette?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette's cost of living is average. Therefore, the $23,230 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 3,390 waiters and waitresses employed in Lafayette, LA, contributing to the local service industry workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,390 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 19.321 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 Lafayette, LA