Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Waiters and waitresses in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $47,310. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,360, indicating a distinct local compensation trend. Factors such as the region's vibrant culinary scene and potentially higher operational costs likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,280.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area supports a substantial workforce of 13,920 waiters and waitresses. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of over 11 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand for service professionals in this dynamic region.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+23.3%above the national average.
$22.7
$910
$3,943
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 the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror broader economic conditions and the increasing demand for skilled service staff in a growing metropolitan hub.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for waiters and waitresses typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and client interaction. While specific percentile data isn't available, the salary range generally widens with experience, with senior staff commanding higher earnings than their less experienced counterparts. These salary differentials reflect accumulated expertise and a proven track record in customer service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,910 | $15.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $35,483 | $17.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,060 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $59,138 | $28.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $74,280 | $35.7 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,310 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a waiter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are higher, the cost of essential goods and services does not disproportionately strain the budget compared to other regions.
Job Market Context
13,920
Total Jobs
11.468
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.77x 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 0.77 for waiters and waitresses in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not exceptionally saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, however, points to ongoing employment opportunities within the service industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $42,530↓ 10% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $49,810↑ 5% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,440↓ 19% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $38,620↓ 18% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $35,470↓ 25% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $47,310. This typically ranges from $31,910 for entry-level positions to $74,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 23.3% higher than the national median of $38,360.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
Yes, it is a more lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses.The average salary of $47,310 is significantly higher than the national average of $38,360, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the higher nominal wage more impactful.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($42,530) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earn an average of $47,310 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,360.
What is the job market like for waiters and waitresses in this area?
The job market is stable with a substantial workforce and consistent demand, as indicated by over 11 jobs per 1,000 workers, though the concentration is slightly below the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
No, the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
Is the concentration of waiters and waitresses high in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.77, which is slightly below the national average of 1.0, suggesting a moderate presence of these roles relative to other occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,920 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 11.468 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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA