Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Waiters and Waitresses in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $53,810. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,360, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of operations or consumer spending power within the region. The economic landscape of Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater directly influences this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,380 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.73, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater shows a moderate concentration relative to the national average. While not exceptionally overrepresented, the substantial workforce size suggests a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+40.3%above the national average.
$25.9
$1,035
$4,484
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and inflation adjustments. This general growth is often driven by increased operational costs for businesses and a desire to attract and retain skilled service staff.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses typically expands 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 significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the hospitality sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,110 | $16.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $40,358 | $19.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,280 | $22.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $67,263 | $32.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $82,090 | $39.5 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,810 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Waiter's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is higher, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a significant disadvantage or advantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,380
Total Jobs
10.831
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 0.73x 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 0.73 indicates that Waiters and Waitresses are slightly less concentrated in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is robust enough to support a significant workforce of 1,380 individuals, it may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $53,840↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $58,180↑ 8% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $49,810↓ 7% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $48,010↓ 11% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $51,950↓ 3% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $53,810. This typically ranges from $35,110 for entry-level positions to $82,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 40.3% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.The average salary of $53,810 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($53,840) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Waiters and Waitresses in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $53,810, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
There are approximately 1,380 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area, representing 10.831 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses competitive in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced level of competition for Waiters and Waitresses in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 10.831 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA