Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Montgomery, AL
Waiters and waitresses in Montgomery, AL earn an average annual salary of $24,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the cost of living within the state capital. The specific economic landscape of Montgomery dictates this compensation level for service industry professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,230 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market for waiters and waitresses in Montgomery is stable and closely mirrors national employment concentration. The presence of 13.642 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for these services, reflecting the city's established hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Montgomery, AL earns-37.0%below the national average.
$11.6
$465
$2,015
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 Montgomery have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect adjustments to minimum wage laws and the ongoing need to attract and retain service staff in a competitive environment.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Montgomery, AL
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific salary data for different experience levels isn't available, the typical salary range widens significantly as individuals gain experience, with senior staff commanding higher earnings, reflecting the value of their expertise and established client base.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,970 | $7.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,135 | $8.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,760 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,225 | $14.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,340 | $16.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,180 in Montgomery, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might seem low compared to national averages, the purchasing power of this income within Montgomery is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
2,230
Total Jobs
13.642
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Montgomery, AL 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Montgomery, AL, has a slightly lower concentration of waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and aligns with national patterns, the market isn't oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,780↓ 6% | 44 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,530↓ 7% | 44 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,000↓ 5% | 44 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,400↓ 7% | 44 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $24,040↓ 1% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montgomery, AL
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Montgomery, AL?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Montgomery, AL is $24,180. This typically ranges from $15,970 for entry-level positions to $34,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montgomery, AL is 37.0% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Montgomery, AL a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $24,180 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Montgomery, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montgomery, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($22,780) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Montgomery's waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Montgomery, AL, is $24,180, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Montgomery, AL?
Montgomery, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in Montgomery?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Montgomery?
There are approximately 2,230 waiters and waitresses employed in Montgomery, AL, making up about 13.642 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,230 employees in the Montgomery, AL area with a job density of 13.642 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 Montgomery, AL