Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earn an average annual salary of $37,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the hospitality sector in this Florida area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 59.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,620 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, shows a stable, near-national average concentration. This suggests a consistent demand for these professionals, reflecting the area's established hospitality industry and tourism.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earns-1.2%below the national average.
$18.2
$729
$3,159
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or service industry demand. Such growth would align with broader national patterns in the food service sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and higher earning potential. While specific percentile salary data isn't available, the typical salary range signifies that experienced professionals can command higher wages than those just starting out, with significant gaps often reflecting years of dedicated service and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,433 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,900 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,388 | $22.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $62,280 | $29.9 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,910 in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for those earning this wage in the area.
Job Market Context
3,620
Total Jobs
13.825
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in oversupply, reflecting a healthy balance between workforce availability and employer demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $39,370↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $39,000↑ 3% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $40,850↑ 8% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,720↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,800↑ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $37,910. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $62,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 1.2% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Florida nonmetropolitan area ($39,370) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lakeland-Winter Haven salary compare to the national average for Waiters and Waitresses?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, is $37,910, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the job concentration for Waiters and Waitresses in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.93, indicating that the presence of Waiters and Waitresses jobs in Lakeland-Winter Haven is very close to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Waiter/Waitress salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
No, the cost of living in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, is at the national average (100), meaning the $37,910 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Waiters and Waitresses work in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
There are approximately 3,620 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,620 employees in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area with a job density of 13.825 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 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL