Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Waiters and waitresses in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $30,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this service sector role. The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary difference a key consideration for professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,110 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.21, Lexington-Fayette demonstrates a concentration of waiter and waitress positions slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable, and perhaps growing, demand for these services within the local economy, suggesting a robust job market for those entering or established in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-21.3%below the national average.
$14.5
$581
$2,517
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 Lexington-Fayette have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and an increasing recognition of the value these service professionals bring to the local hospitality industry.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced positions, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. As individuals gain experience, their earning potential generally increases, with senior staff commanding higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay within Lexington-Fayette would signify these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation based on tenure and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,130 | $7.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,650 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,290 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,750 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,910 | $27.8 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,200 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is on par with the rest of the country, making the effective take-home value of the salary neutral in terms of cost of living adjustments.
Job Market Context
5,110
Total Jobs
18.054
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.21 signifies that waiter and waitress positions are 21% more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY, than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles within the local job market, indicating that the area is a relatively favorable environment for individuals seeking employment as waiters or waitresses compared to the broader national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,780↓ 11% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,630↓ 18% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,130↓ 17% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $25,340↓ 16% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,900↑ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $30,200. This typically ranges from $16,130 for entry-level positions to $57,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 21.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitressess?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $30,200 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. The market shows a slightly higher concentration of jobs, but this doesn't translate to higher pay in this instance.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($26,780) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lexington-Fayette waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is $30,200, which is below the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates that jobs for waiters and waitresses are 21% more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand.
How many waiters and waitresses work in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
There are approximately 5,110 waiters and waitresses employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,110 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 18.054 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY