Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Waiters and Waitresses in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $33,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply for service industry roles, play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,710.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area supports a substantial workforce of 11,170 Waiters and Waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established presence of this profession within the local economy. The rate of 13.628 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-12.3%below the national average.
$16.2
$647
$2,805
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 Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or service industry demand. This gradual upward trajectory is typical for roles that are essential to the local hospitality sector.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Waiters and Waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by a noticeable increase in earning potential. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range for this profession suggests that experienced individuals can command higher wages, reflecting their acquired skills, customer service expertise, and potentially supervisory responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,210 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,245 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,910 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,075 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,710 | $23.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,660 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by a Waiter or Waitress in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to the cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
11,170
Total Jobs
13.628
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 0.91x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area exhibits a job market for Waiters and Waitresses that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable environment where the number of available positions is well-balanced with the number of individuals seeking employment in this field, indicating neither a significant surplus nor a pronounced shortage of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,850↓ 8% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,230↓ 4% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $32,140↓ 5% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,490↓ 9% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,880↓ 8% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $33,660. This typically ranges from $18,210 for entry-level positions to $48,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 12.3% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $33,660 is below the national average of $38,360, indicating less earning potential in this specific location.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($30,850) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Milwaukee waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $33,660, which is lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI for service workers?
The cost of living in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
Is there high demand for Waiters and Waitresses in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The demand is stable, with 13.628 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.91, suggesting a market closely aligned with national employment patterns for this role.
How does experience affect a Waiter's salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
While specific data isn't provided, typically, increased experience leads to higher salaries for Waiters and Waitresses, reflecting greater skill and responsibility within the role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,170 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 13.628 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI