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Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in New York

Waiters and waitresses in New York earn an impressive average annual salary of $53,360, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,360. This substantial difference is largely driven by New York's dynamic economic landscape and the high demand for skilled service professionals in its major metropolitan areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,360 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,810.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 140,890 individuals in this role, New York demonstrates a robust job market for waiters and waitresses. The location quotient of 0.99 indicates that employment in this sector is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,360

The average Waiters and Waitresses in New York earns+39.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.7

Weekly

$1,026

Monthly

$4,447

Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in New York

Career progression for waiters and waitresses in New York typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and customer service acumen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,900$15.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$40,020$19.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,460$22.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$66,700$32.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$84,810$40.8

Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,360

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,654

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the nominal salary of $53,360 appears attractive, it's crucial to consider New York's cost of living index of 125.1. This means that living expenses are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average, which will impact the actual purchasing power of the salary. Therefore, while the gross income is high, the net disposable income may be more moderate when factoring in the elevated cost of housing, transportation, and daily necessities.

Job Market Context

140,890

Total Jobs

14.765

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

New York has 0.99x 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.

The location quotient of 0.99 suggests that the job market for waiters and waitresses in New York is highly competitive, with employment levels closely mirroring the national distribution. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, where employers actively seek qualified candidates, and a large pool of professionals are available to fill these roles across the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses

CitySalaryDist.
Binghamton, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$52,750↓ 1%49 mi
Kingston, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$52,630↓ 1%51 mi
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Waiters and Waitresses Salary$34,380↓ 36%64 mi
Utica-Rome, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$51,400↓ 4%66 mi
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Waiters and Waitresses Salary$54,870↑ 3%68 mi

Comparing salaries near New York

Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in New York?

The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in New York is $53,360. This typically ranges from $31,900 for entry-level positions to $84,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York is 39.1% higher than the national median of $38,360.

Is New York a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?

Yes, but with considerations.New York offers a significantly higher average salary for waiters and waitresses compared to the national average. However, the high cost of living in the state means that the real value of this salary should be carefully assessed.

Is New York a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?

The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York?

Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($52,750) and Kingston, NY.

What is the average salary for a waiter in New York?

The average annual salary for a waiter or waitress in New York is $53,360.

How does New York's waiter salary compare to the national average?

Waiters and waitresses in New York earn approximately $15,000 more annually than the national average of $38,360.

What is the cost of living in New York compared to the national average?

New York has a cost of living index of 125.1, meaning it is about 25.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the waiter and waitress job market in New York?

New York's job market for waiters and waitresses is nearly on par with the national average, with a location quotient of 0.99, indicating a stable demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140,890 employees in the New York area with a job density of 14.765 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New York