Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, command an impressive average annual salary of $49,880, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,360. This elevated compensation is often dictated by local economic factors and the specific demand within the hospitality sector of the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 54.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,380.
- Outlook: The Lewiston-Auburn area supports a dedicated workforce of 420 Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market. The presence of 8.793 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for service professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME earns+30.0%above the national average.
$24
$959
$4,157
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lewiston-Auburn's Waiter and Waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to salary increases in the food service industry over time, suggesting that compensation for these roles has likely seen positive growth.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lewiston-Auburn, ME
Salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills (like sommelier knowledge or advanced customer service techniques), and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $37,410 | $18 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,740 | $18.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $62,350 | $30 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $82,380 | $39.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,880 for Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
8.793
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Lewiston-Auburn, ME has 0.59x 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 0.59 indicates that Waiters and Waitresses are less concentrated in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by a local workforce of 420 individuals, it is not an overwhelmingly dominant sector. This could imply a balanced market where demand is steady but not excessively competitive, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland, ME Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,680↑ 8% | 29 mi |
| Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $51,260↑ 3% | 57 mi |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $50,700↑ 2% | 57 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,360↓ 13% | 82 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,790↓ 12% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lewiston-Auburn, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is $49,880. This typically ranges from $29,430 for entry-level positions to $82,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is 30.0% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lewiston-Auburn, ME a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
Yes, with a salary significantly above the national average.Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, earn an average of $49,880 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average. This strong earning potential is balanced by a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Lewiston-Auburn, ME a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lewiston-Auburn, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-South Portland, ME ($53,680) and Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lewiston-Auburn waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, is $49,880, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Lewiston-Auburn, ME for service workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the $49,880 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
How concentrated are waiter and waitress jobs in Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
The concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.59, meaning it is less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in Lewiston-Auburn, ME?
There are approximately 420 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Lewiston-Auburn, ME area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Lewiston-Auburn, ME area with a job density of 8.793 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 Lewiston-Auburn, ME