Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Madison, WI
In Madison, WI, the average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses stands at $36,440. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the city's hospitality sector. The specific pay rates in Madison are a reflection of the local job market dynamics for this service-oriented role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,270.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 5,330 Waiters and Waitresses, Madison presents a substantial employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Madison is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 13.158 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for service staff within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Madison, WI earns-5.0%below the national average.
$17.5
$701
$3,037
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Madison's waiter salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive salary increases for service roles, suggesting that waiters and waitresses in Madison have likely seen their earnings grow incrementally.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Madison, as elsewhere, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often represented by salary percentiles, highlights the potential for significant career advancement and increased earning capacity within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,250 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,330 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,520 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,270 | $28.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,440 in Madison, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in Madison is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary might appear slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living to that experienced elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
5,330
Total Jobs
13.158
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 0.88x 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 0.88 indicates that Madison, WI, has a slightly lower concentration of Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (13.158) points to a steady presence of these roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,880↓ 15% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,390↓ 8% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,490↓ 16% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,660↓ 8% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $33,110↓ 9% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Madison, WI is $36,440. This typically ranges from $18,250 for entry-level positions to $59,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 5.0% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, Madison, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,440 is below the national average of $38,360, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($30,880) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Madison, WI is $36,440, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI for waiters?
Madison, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for waiters in Madison, WI?
With 13.158 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 5,330, there is a consistent demand for waiters and waitresses in Madison, though the concentration is slightly below the national average.
How does experience affect a waiter's salary in Madison, WI?
As with most roles, experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions will likely pay less, while senior waiters with proven track records and advanced skills can command higher salaries, reflecting the typical career progression in the service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,330 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 13.158 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 Madison, WI