Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earn an average annual salary of $30,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this service industry role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,320 individuals in this role and a location quotient of 0.87, the Lafayette-West Lafayette market indicates a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-21.4%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,513
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-West Lafayette have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement would likely be influenced by factors such as minimum wage adjustments and increasing operational costs for establishments.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, often accompanied by a salary increase. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior staff generally signifies opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,220 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,613 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,370 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,688 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,210 | $22.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,150 for Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to that of a Waiter or Waitress earning the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,320
Total Jobs
12.925
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.87x 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.
A location quotient of 0.87 indicates that Lafayette-West Lafayette has a slightly lower proportion of Waiters and Waitresses relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable with 12.925 jobs per 1,000 workers, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,380↓ 3% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,240↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,470↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,520↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,260↑ 7% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $30,150. This typically ranges from $17,220 for entry-level positions to $46,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 21.4% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,150 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the difference in purchasing power.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($29,380) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette-West Lafayette salary compare to the national average for Waiters and Waitresses?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $30,150, which is lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The cost of living index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are there in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
There are approximately 1,320 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses concentrated in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
No, the location quotient of 0.87 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,320 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 12.925 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Waiters and Waitresses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- All Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Management Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
- Browse All Jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN