Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Waiters and Waitresses in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an impressive average annual salary of $53,680, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,360. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of local economic factors and a robust demand for service professionals within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 63.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,780 individuals employed as Waiters and Waitresses, and a Location Quotient of 1.13, the Portland-South Portland area demonstrates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average. This suggests a healthy and stable job market for service staff, indicating consistent demand that supports the current employment levels.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+39.9%above the national average.
$25.8
$1,032
$4,473
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-South Portland, like in many other regions, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically influenced by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving service industry standards, leading to higher average earnings for professionals in this field.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
The salary progression for Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,050 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $40,260 | $19.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,010 | $21.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $67,100 | $32.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $102,340 | $49.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,680 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by Waiters and Waitresses in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with an average cost of living, offering good financial stability.
Job Market Context
4,780
Total Jobs
16.805
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.13 indicates that Waiters and Waitresses are 13% more concentrated in the Portland-South Portland, ME labor market compared to the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers but also points to a strong and established demand for these roles within the local hospitality sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $49,880↓ 7% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,360↓ 19% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,790↓ 18% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,070↓ 20% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $43,820↓ 18% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-South Portland, ME is $53,680. This typically ranges from $30,050 for entry-level positions to $102,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 39.9% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average annual salary of $53,680 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($49,880) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average of $53,680 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME for service workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 4,780 Waiters and Waitresses employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Waiters and Waitresses strong in Portland-South Portland, ME?
Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.13, the job market for Waiters and Waitresses is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a robust demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,780 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 16.805 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 Portland-South Portland, ME