Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Owensboro, KY
Waiters and waitresses in Owensboro, KY earn an average annual salary of $28,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Owensboro hospitality sector. The cost of living in Owensboro aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 49.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,800.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 940 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Owensboro demonstrates a concentration of waiter and waitress positions slightly above the national average. This suggests a steady demand for these services within the local economy, indicating a reasonably robust job market for hospitality professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Owensboro, KY earns-24.7%below the national average.
$13.9
$555
$2,407
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Owensboro's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector, like many others, have experienced incremental growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, strong customer service skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,280 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,660 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,590 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,800 | $24.4 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,880 in Owensboro, KY, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that the nominal income aligns closely with the national average cost of goods and services. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for the profession, the local expenses are also at par, potentially offering a similar standard of living in terms of purchasing power.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
19.324
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Owensboro, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.29 for waiters and waitresses in Owensboro, KY, indicates that this profession is more concentrated in the local job market than the national average. A quotient above 1.0 suggests a higher relative demand or a larger proportion of these jobs compared to the national landscape, implying a competitive yet potentially abundant market for individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $29,560↑ 2% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $27,150↓ 6% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,760↓ 0% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,900↑ 7% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $28,220↓ 2% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Owensboro, KY is $28,880. This typically ranges from $15,280 for entry-level positions to $50,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 24.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $28,880 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. The job market shows a slight concentration, but this does not translate to higher pay in this instance.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($29,560) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Owensboro waiter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for waiters and waitresses in Owensboro, KY is $28,880, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,360.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY?
Owensboro, KY 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 country.
Is there high demand for waiters and waitresses in Owensboro?
The Location Quotient of 1.29 suggests a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Owensboro compared to the national average, indicating a steady local demand.
How many waiters and waitresses are employed in Owensboro?
There are approximately 940 waiters and waitresses employed in Owensboro, KY, representing about 19.324 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 19.324 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 Owensboro, KY