Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lawrence, KS
Waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS, earn an average annual salary of $36,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors, including the specific demand within the hospitality sector and the overall cost of living, play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 70.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,690.
- Outlook: The job market for waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,180 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.55 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially favorable employment landscape for those in the service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lawrence, KS earns-3.7%below the national average.
$17.8
$710
$3,078
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for waiters and waitresses across the nation, including in Lawrence, KS, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving service industry standards, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
Career progression for waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS, is typically marked by increasing earning potential with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The salary distribution, often represented by percentiles, clearly signifies this career trajectory, with senior staff earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,490 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,698 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,163 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $60,690 | $29.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS, stands at $36,930. This aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index, which is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Lawrence is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,180
Total Jobs
23.083
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
Lawrence, KS has 1.6x the national concentration of Waiters and Waitresses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.55, Lawrence, KS, demonstrates a notably higher concentration of waiter and waitress positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Lawrence is more specialized or has a greater demand for these roles relative to its overall workforce size, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $34,660↓ 6% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $35,440↓ 4% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $31,750↓ 14% | 60 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $34,750↓ 6% | 74 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,190↓ 18% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lawrence, KS is $36,930. This typically ranges from $16,490 for entry-level positions to $60,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 3.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary of $36,930 is slightly below the national average of $38,360, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawrence, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawrence, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($34,660) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
How does the Lawrence, KS waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS, is $36,930, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,360.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.55 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.55 indicates that there is a higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Lawrence, KS, compared to the national average, suggesting potentially more job opportunities in this field locally.
How does the cost of living in Lawrence, KS affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lawrence, KS, is at the national average. This means the $36,930 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Lawrence, KS?
There are approximately 1,180 waiters and waitresses employed in Lawrence, KS, 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 1,180 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 23.083 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 Lawrence, KS