Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Waiters and Waitresses in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $28,700. 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 industry role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,400.
- Outlook: The Memphis area supports a substantial workforce of 8,560 Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for service professionals within the region's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-25.2%below the national average.
$13.8
$552
$2,392
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or service industry demand.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Experience significantly influences earning potential for Waiters and Waitresses. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,230 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,525 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,780 | $11.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,875 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,400 | $22.8 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,700 in Memphis aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial standing relatively balanced.
Job Market Context
8,560
Total Jobs
13.808
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.92x 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 0.92 suggests that the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy, competitive market where opportunities exist, but perhaps not at the same density as in more heavily service-oriented regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,370↑ 6% | 64 mi |
| Jackson, TN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,930↓ 3% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $28,700. This typically ranges from $15,230 for entry-level positions to $47,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 25.2% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,700 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($30,370) and Jackson, TN.
How does the Memphis waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis earn an average of $28,700 annually, which is $9,660 less than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.92, indicating that the proportion of Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Memphis waiter salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Memphis is at the national average. This means the $28,700 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Waiters and Waitresses in Memphis?
There are approximately 8,560 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,560 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 13.808 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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR